We are experiencing one of the most thrilling eras in the history of running shoes. In recent years, cutting-edge materials, innovative geometries, and creative combinations of foams, plates, fabrics, and soles have resulted in faster, lighter, and more comfortable models than ever before.

The good news is that runners now have an abundance of options. A multitude of choices, however, can sometimes lead to decision paralysis. To help find the perfect running shoe, we’ve tested over 100 pairs of new and updated models with a diverse team of over 20 testers.

Whether you’re seeking a fast-footed road running shoe to boost your race performance or a plush trainer that makes the final mile of your long run enjoyable, you’ve come to the right place. These shoes will help you rediscover the joy of running.

At a Glance

Training Shoes

• Best All-Around: New Balance Balos ($200)
• Best Cushioned Trainer: Asics Superblast 2 ($200)
• Best Distance Trainer: Brooks Hyperion Max 2 ($180)
• Best Value: Skechers GOrun Razor 5 ($130)
• Best Lightweight Trainer: Under Armour Velociti 4 ($130)
• Best Super Trainer: Puma Deviate Nitro 3 ($160)
• Best for Recovery Runs: Hoka Skyward X ($225)
• Best Natural Ride: Topo Athletic Cyclone 2 ($150)
• Best Eco-Friendly Ride: Veja Condor 3 ($200)
• Most Stylish+High Performance: Tracksmith Eliot Runner ($198)

Stability Shoes

• Best All-Around: Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 ($160)
• Best Plush Stability: Asics GEL-Kayano 31 ($165)
• Best Lightweight Stability: Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 ($140)

Racing Shoes

• Editors’ Choice/Best Overall Super Shoe On Cloudboom Strike ($280)
• Best Marathon Racer: Nike Alphafly 3 ($285)
• Best For Shorter Road Races: New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Pacer v2 ($200)

Trail Running Shoes

Tips and How We Test

• How to Choose a Road Running Shoe
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best Training Shoes

Best All-Around

New Balance Balos

Weight: 9.2 oz (men’s), 7.3 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 38.5–32.5 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15, 16, regular and wide (men’s); 5-11, 12, 13, regular and wide (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Stable despite a soft midsole
⊕ Smooth-rolling ride heel-to-toe
⊕ Surprisingly fast for such a cushioned shoe
⊗ Some found the ride sloppy at 10K pace or faster

It’s rare that all our testers agree on a shoe, let alone one as soft and highly cushioned as the Balos. Shoes this soft typically lead some of our testers who favor more stable, grounded shoes to find faults likeÌęinstability and a mushy feel.

The New Balance Balos is that rare diamond that every tester gave glowing reviews. One tester boldly called the Balos “the best premium training shoe ever made,” adding it “offers a unique combination of a light, flexible, soft, responsive cushioning and a rocker that promotes speed and comfort on uptempo runs.”

The secret to its success is the thick stack of ultra-soft and hyper-responsive PEBA midsole foam with a dramatic heel-to-toe rocker profile that facilitates a smooth roll and forward propulsion. The foam, said one tester, is “well-balanced—soft and responsive, providing comfort, structure, and a bit of bounce without feeling overly squishy.” One might think this much foam underfoot would feel numbing, yet the Balos retains a surprisingly good ground feel, partially due to the flexible, ground-contact EVA sole with only small strips of firmer rubber on high abrasion areas of the heel and toe.

The plate-less, flexible midsole let the thick sole work with our feet rather than dictating movement paths or creating an unstable platform. Gear editor Jonathan Beverly, who usually prefers lower-stacked shoes, noted, “The foam adapted to my changing foot shape and moved with me, making it feel like I was enveloped by the sole rather than just standing on it, with no hint of instability to either side.”

Testers unanimously agreed that the Balos offered impressive pace versatility—from slow, easy runs to threshold efforts, even serving as a race-day shoe for some. One tester noted, however, that at 10K pace or faster the midsole seemed to take too much time to compress and rebound, making push-offs sloppy.

Complementing the plush underfoot feel is a comfortable creel mesh upper that’s highly breathable. Another tester noted that the nicely padded tongue and heel collar make it “easy to lock down the laces on the Balos and secure your foot for maximum comfort during your run.” With its well-cushioned underfoot feel and peppy persona, the New Balance Balos won over our most finicky testers, even ones who had sworn off max-cushioned models, to earn best all-around honors.

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Honorable mentions: , ,

Best Cushioned Trainer

Asics Superblast 2

Weight: 8.8 oz (unisex)
Stack Height: 45-37 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 3.5-13 (men’s); 5-14.5 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Outstanding cushioning-to-weight ratio
⊕ Responsive for such a highly cushioned shoe
⊕ Great fitting upper
⊗ Can feel bulky due to the large size

It’s clear there’s a growing trend in running shoes: the more cushioning, the better. The Asics Superblast 2 completely leans into this notion. Sporting a whopping 45 millimeters of foam under the heel, not only did Asics not skimp on the amount, but they went with two layers—softer over firmer—of their highest-performing PEBA foams.

One tester called the foam combo “fantastically well engineered and executed,” while another said, “very few shoes offer such a lightweight, stiff, stable, highly cushioned, and super-responsive running platform.” The ride is every bit as lively as it is plush. Despite lacking a plate, the Superblast 2’s soft midsole doesn’t feel mushy and offers a surprisingly sturdy platform, thanks to its wide base.

Testers appreciated the stable ride but found the wide, relatively stiff sole made their gait feel clunky when turning over faster. “Its bulk and rigidity numb my proprioception and hold back my performance,” said one tester about attempting to run fast in the shoe. Runners who like a more sensitive, flexible ride should look elsewhere.

Right out of the box, the Superblast 2 fit true to size for all our testers, with one noting it had “plenty of forefoot room and excellent midfoot lockdown.” The stretchy woven upper and padded heel counter provided ample comfort for even the longest runs, all while keeping us cool.

Honorable mentions: Hoka Skyward X, ,

Best Distance Trainer

Brooks Hyperion Max 2

Weight: 9.1 oz (men’s), 8.3 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 36-30 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 7-13,14,15 (men’s); 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Highly responsive midsole
⊕ Quick-rolling ride
⊕ Great fitting upper
⊗ Midsole may feel firm to some

As the more cushioned sibling to the Hyperion 2, the Hyperion Max 2 is a higher-stacked, lightweight uptempo shoe ideal for long tempos and faster-paced long runs. Gaining four millimeters more nitrogen-infused EVA foam underfoot than the first version, the midsole isn’t the bounciest we’ve tested, but what it lacks in bounce it more than makes up for in liveliness.

Those who like a firmer, more responsive ride over a squishy, bouncy one will feel right at home, and even our tester who usually prefers soft, trampoline-like running shoes found pleasure in the Hyperion Max 2’s quick-rolling feel. The peppy ride, enhanced with a semi-flexible embedded plate, shined on up-tempo days, but even at all-day paces, the Hyperion Max 2 felt smooth, comfortable, and supportive, making it a worthy candidate as an everyday trainer when racking up miles.

The most significant improvement is the new Jacquard mesh upper. Testers universally praised its high breathability, one noting how it kept feet cool even during a 90-degree, humid East Coast summer run. As expected from an uptempo shoe, the upper is minimal to reduce weight, yet one tester noted it “fits and feels like a sock.” Even our self-described “cranky person” when it comes to tongues, lacing, and heel security found no issues with the upper. “The sawtooth laces stay secure from the moment you tie them until you’re done, and they don’t irritate the instep at all,” he said.

Honorable mentions: , ,

Best Value

Skechers GOrun Razor 5

Ìę(Available late October 2024)

Weight: 8 oz (men’s), 6.4 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 30–26 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-14 (7H-12H) (men’s); 5-11 (5H-9H) (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Fun, lively midsole
⊕ Suitable for a wide range of paces
⊕ Premium foam and carbon-infused plate at a value price
⊗ Fit issues for some testers

We’ve been big fans of Skechers ever since the brand introduced its supercritically blown EVA midsole, known as Hyperburst, back in 2019. In the ensuing years, they’ve continued to improve the ultra-light, responsive foam, with Hyperburst Pro, found in the Razor 5, the newest version. Testers approved.

“Hyperburst Pro is easily one of the best, if not the best, cushioning materials on the market,” said one tester. The supercritical process uses CO2 and nitrogen heated to a critical state between gas and liquid to expand TPU with gas bubbles, creating a lightweight, springy feel that pushes back energetically from the moment of impact. Embedded in the Razor 5’s midsole is a carbon-infused forefoot plate that’s more flexible than most, providing a bit of stability and snappy bite off the toes without feeling stiff or controlling.

Despite being one of the lowest profile shoes in the test, the Razor 5 shines as an everyday trainer. “It’s an excellent go-to shoe for just about everything—long runs, hill workouts, speed sessions, and daily mileage,” one tester said. The flexible sole allows your feet to move naturally, while the uber-responsive foam provides just enough cushioning to protect you while enabling ground-sensitive proprioception.

The one knock we have is that the rather low-sitting heel collar, combined with the thin laces and tongue, create a sub-par fit for some. One tester kept having to readjust his laces to feel secure.

Still, despite the upper issues, the Skechers Razor 5 is easily the best price-to-value shoe you can buy today. It’s so versatile, one tester said, “If you have to take a single shoe with you on a trip, one that can suffice for an easy run or a tempo effort, take the Razor 5”.

Honorable mentions: ,

Best Lightweight Trainer

Under Armour Velociti 4

Weight: 7.7 oz (men), 6.9 oz (women)
Stack height: 30–22łŸłŸ
Drop: 8 mm

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight and flexible
⊕ Nimble underfoot feel
⊕ Comfortable upper
⊗ Toebox is a bit shallow for some

With the absence of rubber on the outsole and a clean, smooth upper, this shoe just looks lightweight and comfortable—and it is. Testers commented on its immediate comfort—one even wore it on a 10-mile road run out of the box and reported zero hot spots. The knit upper morphs around a range of foot shapes, while the heel collar securely holds our feet for a secure ride.

The shoe’s ride is low and firmly responsive, at least compared to most in this era of oversized, high-cushion midsoles. But the lively cushioning, combined with a flexible outsole (again, no rubber, just exposed UnderArmour FLOW foam), had us enjoying how the Velociti 4 gave us a feel for the ground beneath us, in a springy, connected way.

One tester raved about this shoe’s capability during 400-meter repeats on a rubber track: “The lightness of the shoe, the great fit, and the sole seemed to combine to pull out my best form and let me get in a great groove for a track workout,” she said. Another brought two pairs of shoes to test on a trip to Chicago—these and a more cushioned model—and never wore the other because the Velociti 4 put such a pep in his step while darting nimbly through pedestrians on the River Walk and striding out on the lakefront.

Honorable mentions: , , ,

Best Super Trainer

Puma Deviate Nitro 3

Weight: 9.3 oz (men’s), 7.6 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 39–29 mm​
Drop: 10 mm

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lively and stable dual-foam midsole
⊕ Smooth and snappy roll from carbon-fiber composite plate
⊕ At least 20 percent of the upper made with recycled materials
⊗ Giant “NITRO” branding on upper
⊗ Tongue tends to buckle when laces tightened around narrow feet

Testers concurred that the Deviate Nitro 3 ran as smoooooth as butter, thanks to Puma’s proprietary nitrogen-infused midsole, combined with a slightly flexible, forked, carbon-fiber composite plate, and a slightly rockered shape. The midsole is split into two layers, a soft, bouncy PEBA foam above the plate, and a firmer, stable and responsive TPEE foam below it. One tester who describes herself as a heel striker at all-but-sprinting says her gait felt remarkably efficient and fluid in this shoe. Another raved: “They nailed the perfect cushioning. It feels both responsive in the heel and the forefoot with a great energy/propulsive return.”

Despite a fairly low-volume fit, the Deviate Nitro 3 worked for a range of foot shapes among our test pool, many calling it “super comfortable,” and one saying, “It’s like wearing a slipper.” One narrow-footed tester, however, complained that the lightly padded tongue buckled when she cinched the laces down.

We reached for this shoe for fast efforts, either in training or racing, and appreciated the stability afforded by the plate and the comfort-giving properties of the foam on longer runs as well.

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Honorable mentions: , ,

Best for Recovery Runs

Hoka Skyward X

Weight: 11.3 oz (men’s), 9.2 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 48–43 mm​ (men’s), 46–41 mm (women’s)
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: Men’s 7–15; Women’s 5–12

Pros and Cons
⊕ Forgiving platform reduces fatigue
⊕ Carbon plate keeps the ride lively
⊕ Deep sidewalls provide stability
⊗ A bit on the heavy side, in weight and in price

If you thought Hoka running shoes couldn’t get any more ridiculously fat, think again: The new Skyward X has the highest stack height of any Hoka to date (and has the tallest midsole of any running shoe we are aware of). The whopping amount of midsole foam extends up and around the sides of the foot—a bucket seat-like effect that added support and kept us from tipping over on what looks like platform shoes.

But the Skyward X isn’t all mushy cush. The lively PEBA foam encases a convex carbon fiber plate that is said to compress with each foot strike and rebound energy as you push off. While we can’t confirm the exact action of what happens in the midsole of this shoe, we can say that the outcome was reduced fatigue.

We reached for this mega shoe when we were feeling beat up. “I feel well-cushioned with every step but also don’t feel like I’m sinking into the road,” said a tester who’s run 11 marathons. “It seems to be cushioned with this wonderful technology throughout my foot. My body feels great during and after runs in this shoe.”

Honorable mentions: , , , ,

Best Natural Ride

Topo Cyclone 2

Weight: 6.9 oz (men’s), 5.5 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 28–23 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: 8–12 (men’s); 6–11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Comfortable, bouncy cushioning
⊕ Ultralight
⊕ Flexible, close-to-the-ground feel
⊗ Too minimal for some

For some runners, today’s supershoes feel overbuilt—the plate is too stiff, the midsole too tipsy, and the rocker too aggressive. The Topo Cyclone 2 presents an alternative formula, combining today’s cutting-edge foam technology with a simplified, low-profile underfoot experience. One tester described the Cyclone as “a shoe that moves like a minimalist model and provides a stable, proprioceptive ground connection while cushioning and bouncing like a supershoe.”

Despite the low, flexible, minimalist feeling, the midsole still provides plenty of cushioning underfoot for effective shock absorption. Even one tester who favors thick-soled, stiff, maximum-cushioned shoes appreciated the lightness and high-energy rebound provided by the full Pebax midsole.

Sitting atop the super-powered sole is a thin, airy, engineered mesh upper that’s tailored for a secure midfoot wrap and a wide anatomical toe box. “The fit is comfortably snug and welcoming at 5k pace or slower,” praised one tester, who also noted, however, that he found the wide forefoot felt slightly “sloppy” as he approached top-end speeds. One tester summed it up: “The Cyclone 2 is a lightweight speed and race-day shoe that lets your foot control the shoe, not—like with so many of today’s carbon-fiber super shoes—the other way around.”

Read our full review of the Topo Cyclone 2.

Honorable mention:

Best Eco-Friendly Ride

Veja Condor 3

Weight: 10 oz (men), 8.2 oz (women)
Stack Height: 37–29 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 8-12 (men’s); 6-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Comfortable fit
⊕ Smooth transitions
⊕ Sustainable manufacturing
⊗ Pricey
⊗ Upper a bit baggy for narrow feet

The Veja Condor 3 brings sustainably-made footwear to new levels of performance. Smart usage of renewable materials results in a versatile shoe that we enjoyed on both roads and mild trails. The midsole blend includes 43 percent sugarcane-base EVA and 27 percent Amazonian rubber in an ample stack of 37 mm under the heel and 29 mm under the forefoot, making it a highly cushioned shoe with a lively rebound. A full-length “L-Foam” insert (made of 65 percent natural latex and 35 percent synthetic latex) is meant to absorb shock and dampen vibration, and testers reported it succeeded

One tester said, “This shoe has a balanced level of cushioning that straddles the line between soft and responsive.” Another noted that there’s nothing compromised in terms of performance despite the environmentally conscious materials and build. “The midsole compares with many of today’s softly cushioned, bouncy foams, and the geometry—with raised sidewalls, compression grooves, and a moderate rocker—delivers smooth and stable landings and transitions,” he said.

The 100-percent recycled polyester engineered mesh upper secured our feet, though the fit is a bit wide. A padded collar and external heel clip made of castor-oil-based Pebax Rnew lock-in the heel before opening to a flared forefoot, making the neutral shoe feel stable. The highly breathable mesh is reinforced by glued-on TPU overlays that add to the secure foothold and enhance durability. With its bio-based materials and smooth ride on a variety of surfaces, this is a feel-good shoe in every sense.

Most Stylish+High Performance

Tracksmith Eliot Runner

Weight: 9.2 oz (men’s), 8.0 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 33.5–24.5 mm
Drop: 9 mm
Sizing: Unisex shoe, M4/W5.5–M13/W14.5

Pros and Cons
⊕ Stylish enough for fancy casual wear
⊕ Step-in comfort
⊕ Wide versatility of paces and ranges
⊗ Can feel a tad soft for fast efforts
⊗ Low-volume fit

This shoe cushions plenty for long runs, feels peppy and spry enough for tempo efforts, inspires quick quarter-mile efforts on the track, and can be worn casually on the daily. It does it all.

Underfoot comfort and cush comes from a combination of a soft, super-thick (three times the norm) sockliner layered over a slightly denser midsole, both made of Pebax—the premier shock-absorbing compound of the hour, usually found in marathon-racing supershoes. The sockliner aims to mimic the feel of running on fall leaves or soft dirt (and does), while the firmer midsole is designed to compress just enough to encourage underfoot pop (and does). The fit leans low-volume from top to bottom, adding to a sleek feel, while a secure heel hold tapers out to a slightly wider toe box.

The engineered mesh upper sports soft and retro-stylish synthetic suede around the heel collar and lacing eyelets, and achieves structure with a simple sash at the midfoot. This is a comfortable, capable, and great-looking shoe that we’re mildly obsessed with.

Best Stability Shoes

Best All-Around Stability

Brooks Glycerin GTS 21

Weight: 10.5 oz (men’s), 8.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 38–28 mm (forefoot)
Drop: 10 mm
Sizing: 7-15, medium and wide (men’s); 5-12, medium and wide (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Streamlined fit
⊕ Smooth, stable cushioning
⊕ Minimal bulk-to-support ratio
⊗ A tad stiff

The Glycerin GTS 21 is a fantastic workhorse of a shoe; both plush and stable, it’s a reliable, supportive training partner from daily jaunts to long, slow, distance runs. Step-in comfort comes from a soft, flexible knit upper material that, joined with a thickly padded tongue and heel collar, enveloped our feet comfortably. “This shoe had good breathability with the soft mesh fabric,” said Boulder-based tester Kat D’Angelo, who added, “They keep airflow throughout my feet to keep them cool.”

The midsole, which gained two millimeters of nitrogen-infused, EVA-rubber blend foam without adding weight, had our testers using words like “vibrant” and “smooth, controlled, and springy.” The stable ride comes from a wide base and Brooks’ GuideRails, a non-intrusive strip of denser foam on the arch side of the shoe plus elevated midsole sidewalls on both sides, designed to gently guide the foot to stay in its preferred movement path even when fatigued. “They don’t have the zing of a super-trainer, but they let you relax and forget about your feet and shoes,” said a masters runner with lots of miles on his legs.

We felt stable, secure, supported, and comfortable in these shoes for miles on end, making them a great choice for marathon training or other situations—like getting back into running after a break—that require a build-up in mileage.

Honorable mentions: ,

Best Plush Stability

Asics GEL-Kayano 31

Weight: 10.7 oz (men’s), 9.2 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 40–30 mm (men’s); 39–29 mm (women’s)
Drop: 10 mm
Sizing: Men’s 6-16; Women’s 5-13

Pros and Cons
⊕ Well-cushioned sole and upper
⊕ Smooth rolling ride
⊕ Stable without being firm or stiff
⊗ Somewhat heavy

Our testers were big fans of the Asics GEL-Kayano 30, which was a big departure from previous versions of the franchise shoe and a great example of how shoe companies have been rethinking the traditional strategies to provide stability. The Kayano 31 built on the success of the 30, and we love it even more. “Since the Kayano is a stability shoe,” said a tester, “I expected it to feel harder. But I was very pleasantly surprised at the high level of cushioning.”

Like the 30, the 31 has a wide midsole and significant heel bevel, a flared sole under the forefoot, and soft, high-energy foam under the arch where we’re used to finding a firm medial post. Rather than attempting to block rotational movement, Asics says the bouncy insert, in combination with the shoes’ geometry, is designed to reduce the time at peak pronation and gently guide an over-rotating foot back into a more neutral position as it transitions from heel to toe-off.

The 31 boasts a new, engineered mesh upper that provided a great fit, regardless of foot shape. Testers loved how the upper “morphs” and “hugs” their feet, and raved about the plush comfort of the padded tongue and heel collar, as well as the cushioning underfoot. Also improved is the rubber outsole, which we found grippy on wet roads. This is a great update to an already reliable stability shoe that runs smoothly, responsively, and comfortably.

Best Lightweight Stability

Brooks Hyperion GTS 2

Weight: 7.6 oz (men’s), 6.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 31.5–23.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: Men’s 7–15; Women’s 5–12

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Low-profile, agile-feeling, and supportive ride
⊕ Highly breathable upper (could feel cold in winter)
⊗ Can feel too squishy in the heel for some

We loved the first-iteration Hyperion GTS for its lightweight comfort and springy, nitrogen-infused cushioning that one tester described as “fun and fast.” The second version is updated with a new midsole compound—nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2—which Brooks says is lighter weight and more responsive than its predecessor. We concur—one tester described it as “snappy,” while another remarked on how it seems to push back while compressing and offers impressive rebound.

The GTS 2 still features stabilizing guide rails along the sides of the heel—a raised extension of the midsole foam on the outside, a firmer TPU piece on the inside—to help reduce heel shift and rotation for runners whose stride strays excessively inward or outward, especially towards the end of their run as a result of fatigue.

We appreciated the feeling of support while still being able to run smoothly and speedily when we wanted to up the effort. “I’d definitely speed train in these,” said a tester. “They’re responsive, nimble, and light.” These shoes are ideal for any runner looking for a daily trainer or racer that gives them a connected ground feel without being minimal. The cushioning is noticeable and lively, while the stability features are discreet. “I found these easy to run in at any speed,” said one. “They’re very responsive to whatever I feel like doing in them.”

Best Racing Shoes

Editors Choice/Best Overall Super Shoe

On Cloudboom Strike

Weight: 7.7 oz (men’s), 6.6 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 39.5–35.5 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14 (men’s); 5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Highly cushioned, bouncy midsole
⊕ Performs well from marathon pace to 5K pace
⊕ Upper resists moisture
⊗ Fits long

Carbon-fiber-plated super shoes are a dime a dozen these days. Nearly every brand now offers its version of these high-tech racing shoes, and most are on their third or fourth generation, tempering our excitement whenever a new update drops. Amidst the flood of revamped models this year, however, there stood a gem—a brand new supershoe that rivals the best: the On Cloudboom Strike.

After the underwhelming performance of its predecessor, the firm, somewhat clunky Cloudboom Echo series, the Cloudboom Strike is a total redemption story—a zero-to-hero journey that took our testers by surprise. From the moment you put it on, it’s clear that the Cloudboom Strike is an entirely different shoe from the Cloudboom Echo, starting with the Strike’s soft underfoot feel.

Restricted by the 40-millimeter stack height limit set by World Athletics, On’s engineers stripped away all non-essential elements to maximize the amount of their ultra-bouncy PEBA foam, Helion HF hyper underfoot. Inside, instead of a traditional flimsy insole, there’s a removable thick layer of PEBA foam resting directly on the carbon fiber plate. Plus, the upper is stitched directly onto the plate, eliminating the need for a strobel board. The result is more high-performing foam in the same 40-millimeter stack, which delivers a plush, cushioned feel and gives the impression of more thickness than there actually is.

The shoe is remarkably versatile in terms of pace range, as our lead tester found out during a 5k race. Often, thick-soled super shoes can feel bulky and cumbersome at faster paces. Not the Cloudboom Strike. The shoe cycled through his gait with ease, responding at the drop of a hat when needed. The ride felt equally comfortable on easy runs, marathon pace workouts, and tempo efforts. And, despite weighing roughly the same as many competitor supershoes, the Cloudboom Srike feels lighter on the run, almost as if it’s not there.

The thin, flexible, one-piece mesh upper is comfortable and repels moisture well. A sewn-in overlay cage system, attached to thin, sticky laces, makes it easy to dial fit and ensure your foot is firmly situated in the driver’s seat. Note the fit is long, enough that it’s worth considering sizing down half a size.

Like most super shoes, the Cloudboom Strike isn’t immune to instability issues. The tall stance and soft underfoot feeling can feel wobbly at times, particularly for beginner runners who spend more time on the ground.

Having tested every super shoe on the market, it takes a lot to impress us. But the On Cloudboom Strike had us grinning ear to ear with its lively, fun, and incredibly bouncy ride.

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Best Marathon Racer

Nike Alphafly 3

Weight: 7.8 oz (men), 6.2 oz (women)
Stack Height: 40–32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Bouncy, trampoline-like ride
⊕ Works for a wide range of runners
⊕ Lighter weight than previous versions of the AlphaFly
⊗ Heel can feel unstable
⊗ Can be hard to find in specific sizes

We’ve run in all three versions of the AlphaFly to date and think this third iteration is a great update. Subtle adjustments to the shoe’s geometry, including a wider footprint and carbon fiber plate, paired with repositioned Air Zoom units and strategically sculpted midsole, give the Alphafly 3 a distinctly different feel from its predecessor, which many found heavy and clunky compared to the original. This shoe again feels bouncy, fun, and fast.

Complementing the cush and rebound of ZoomX (Pebax) foam and Air Zoom units (pockets of compressed air and tensile threads) is a full-length carbon fiber plate that gives the shoe extra snap and adds a touch of appreciated stability that even the most efficient runners can benefit from when fatigued (marathon, anyone?). One of our more competitive testers praised the Alphafly 3 for its bouncy, energy-saving ride and says she’ll wear no other shoe for races longer than 10 miles. Another speedy tester noted, “Even running as fast as 5k pace, I found the Alphafly responded quickly, encouraging a fast turnover.” Some slower runners noted, however, that landing on the Alphafly’s sculpted heel can create a feeling of instability until the plate is engaged at the midfoot roll.

The upper of the Alphafly 3 is a lightweight, super-breathable mesh with an integrated tongue and thin, notched laces that pull tight and stay tied. Our feet were comfortable and secure without any pressure points on top of the ready-to-fly platform. We love that this shoe got lighter than its previous versions, which adds to its race-readiness.

Read our full review of the Alphafly 3. .

Honorable mention: , , ,

Best For Shorter Road Races

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2

Weight: 6.9 oz (men’s), 5.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 33–25 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, regular and wide (men’s); 5-11, 12, regular and wide (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Excellent ground feel
⊕ Snappy, propulsive ride
⊕ Air mesh upper breaths well
⊗ Runs a bit short in length

Short races like the 5K or 10K call for a lightweight, snappy shoe that’s quick and agile. No shoe we tested met these criteria better than the New Balance FuelCell Pacer v2. Underfoot, the short-distance crusher features a PEBA foam for a ride that’s “fast, nimble, and has plenty of cushioning,” one tester said. Embedded in the uber-soft, ultra-responsive foam is a curved carbon fiber plate that controls the foam and enhances forward propulsion. “The shoe felt bouncy but not in an energy-robbing way,” noted one tester.

For runners who find today’s thick-soled super shoes overly cushioned and lacking ground feel, the Pacer v2’s lower stack height—32 millimeters in the heel and 24 millimeters in the forefoot—offers a refreshing change. It provides excellent connection and sensitivity while delivering a lightly cushioned, snappy ride.

The upper features a single layer of engineered mesh that further adds to the shoes’ lightweight and nimble persona. Testers unanimously agreed that the airy mesh, with ample ventilation, performed exceptionally well in hot and humid conditions. A few testers noted the shoe ran a tad short in length, but provided plenty of volume. If you’re in between sizes it may be worth sizing up.

Note that while most will find the less-cushioned Pacer 2 best suited for shorter races, Olympian Emily Sisson wears this shoe in the marathon.

Honorable mentions: ,

How to Choose a Running Shoe

When choosing a road running shoe, the first step is to determine the type of running you’ll primarily be doing in them. Do you need a speedy racer, a shoe that offers comfort during long, slow jogs, or a versatile trainer that can handle various distances and paces?

Next, consider your preference for the feel of the shoe’s cushioning: do you like a soft, forgiving ride, a more energetic, bouncy sensation underfoot, or a firmer platform that provides better ground feel? With advancements in foams and technologies, many shoes today offer cushioning without compromising responsiveness or stability. However, each shoe balances these characteristics differently, providing a spectrum of options to choose from. The key to finding the perfect running shoe is choosing the one you’re most comfortable with.

Once you’ve narrowed the search to a certain type of road shoe, you need to find a pair that complements your unique body and stride. Every runner’s body, gait, speed, experience, and ride preferences are different, so every runner will interact differently with each running shoe. The shoe that your best friend or your sister-in-law loves may be uncomfortable for you and make running feel slow, sluggish, or even painful. Finding the perfect pair of road running shoes is a seriously personal affair.

The process for choosing the best running shoes is a matter of finding the models that both fit your foot and also feel best when you’re running. To determine fit and feel, there’s no substitute for trying the shoes on and running in them.

Fit: Match Your Foot Shape

When assessing fit, first pay attention to length. You need room at the end of your toes as your feet lengthen during their dynamic movements on the run. A rule of thumb is to allow a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Runners often wear a running shoe a half or full size bigger than their street shoes.

Ensure that the shape of the sole and the upper matches your foot shape. The sole should be as wide or wider than your foot for the whole length, and match the curve of your arch comfortably. The shoe should hold your foot securely over the instep, while allowing the ball of the foot and the toes to splay and flex when you roll forward onto them. Your heel shouldn’t slip when you lift it, and the arch should be able to dome and lengthen naturally. Nothing should bind or rub as you roll through the stride.

Feel: Match Your Movement Path

If the shoe fits, it’s time to take them on a short run on a treadmill, around the store, or, ideally, down the block and back. Every running shoe has a unique ride created by the type and density of foam in the midsole and the geometry of that foam: its thickness, width, heel-to-toe drop, molded sidewalls or flares, and forefoot flexibility or rocker shape (plus, in an increasing number of models, the presence of and type of embedded plate). Each of these elements interact with each other and your stride to determine how the shoe reacts on landing, how much it cushions, how stably it supports, how smoothly it transitions from landing to toe off, and how quickly and powerfully it rebounds.

The best way to choose the shoes that complement your body and stride is to find the ones that feel right on the run. Benno Nigg, the world-leading biomechanics professor who , calls it the “comfort filter,” but makes clear it is far more than how plush the shoe feels when you step into it. What you want to assess is whether the shoe allows and supports the way your feet want to move, what Nigg calls your “preferred movement path.” In the right shoe, while running at your normal pace, you will touch down where you expect to land, roll smoothly and stably through the stride without noticing the shoe, feel both cushioned from and connected to the ground, and push off naturally, quickly, and powerfully. When this comes together you’ll know that you’ve found your pair.

It’s likely that several shoes will feel good on your feet. To find the most comfortable, it helps to compare them back to back, like an eye doctor will do with corrective lenses: flipping between “A” or “B,” “1” or “2.” You may also find that different shoes feel better at different paces or level of fatigue, and you may want more than one pair. In fact, research shows that wearing a variety of different shoes is one of the few to reduce injury risk as it appears to vary the stresses on your feet and joints.

What About Injury Prevention?

Running shoes have long been marketed and sold as prescriptive devices to help runners stay healthy, but there is correlating shoes, or any specific shoe properties—like cushioning or pronation control—with running injuries. Medical professionals say that it is highly difficult to determine whether a runner needs a certain type of shoe, and studies have shown that prescribing shoes using traditional methods like treadmill gait analyses or wet-foot arch height tests don’t consistently reduce injuries.

Don’t assume that you need more cushioning or more stability if you have sore joints, or if you’re a heavier runner, or if you’re a beginner—evidence doesn’t support many common beliefs. The best way prevent injury is find two or three different pairs that feel right on the run, ease into using them, and vary your shoes, your running surface and your pace regularly (plus avoid rapid increases in your training load and work on ).

How We Test

• Number of testers: 21
• Number of shoes tested: 117
• Number of miles: 17,000+ over a year

To test running shoes, we begin by researching every brand’s upcoming offerings for the coming season. We wind up with dozens of samples of the models (55 road shoes this season, 117 over the year) that are most promising—not just for us, but for 19 testers that range in age, ability, running form, geographical location, and preferred shoe types. We try to put each tester in models from within the same category (e.g., neutral, stability, carbon fiber, zero drop or uptempo) so everyone can test apples-to-apples.

After three to six months of running in each model on paved roads, concrete multi-use paths, treadmills, sandy beach paths, dirt roads, and tracks at a variety of distances, paces, and weather conditions, our crew members report back with their assessments of fit, comfort, traction, cushioning, flexibility, stiffness, pop, what type of running the model is best used for, how the shoe compares to other models, and more. We also run in every shoe ourselves, and, combining all the tester feedback with years of personal experience, hone in on the best. This guide combines the best recent shoes with outstanding shoes still available from the past two test periods.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lisa Jhung

Freelance journalist, editor, and author has researched, tested, and written about running shoes for the past decade and a half, much of that time for șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű and șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Buyer’s Guides. She coordinates a fleet of female shoe testers out of Boulder, Colorado, and says her home office is a perpetual obstacle course of cardboard boxes and piles of running shoes. Lisa’s written about gear of all kinds for numerous national magazines as both an editor and freelancer, including a stint as the Shoes & Gear blogger and trail running microsite editor for Runner’s World.

A high school jumper and occasional sprinter/hurdler, she started running—really running—after walking off the collegiate volleyball team, and moved on to road and trail races of any distance, triathlons, adventure races, and mountain running. She’s happiest testing rugged trail shoes on gnarly terrain, and also loves a good neighborhood jaunt
but is almost always looking for ribbons of dirt. Lisa is the author of Running That Doesn’t Suck: How to Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.

Cory Smith

passion for running started over 30 years ago in high school when he became the number six ranked runner in the nation at 3000 meters his senior year. After high school, he competed at Villanova University, earning two NCAA Division I Championship showings. Today, he’s determined not to let age slow him down and competes on the national master’s circuit, running a 4:12 (4:30 mile pace)) 1500 meters and 9:04 (4:52 mile pace) 3000 meters in 2021 at age 43. He prefers a hard track workout or tempo run over an easy long run any day but also appreciates a challenging trail or mountain run.

His obsession with running shoes started in 2014 when he wrote his first shoe review for Gear Institute. Since then, he’s tested and reviewed hundreds of running shoes, clothing, and gear for șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű, Runner’s World, Footwear News, and other outlets. He has a soft spot for speedy shoes over heavy trainers but loves dissecting all shoes equally and thinking like a product engineer to explain the why behind every design detail. Cory is the Founder of , an online running coaching business, and since its inception in 2014, has coached runners’ to over 100 Boston Marathon Qualifying times.

Jonathan Beverly

Jonathan fell in love with running his freshman year of high school and quickly became fascinated with finding the perfect pair of running shoes. That quest got a boost when he became editor of Running Times in 2000 and started receiving every new model as they were released. The parade of shoes continued while he served as shoe editor for Runner’s World, then editor of PodiumRunner, and currently fitness gear editor at șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű. Having now worn nearly every running shoe created in this century—and a fair amount of those dating back to the early models of the ’70s—he’s given up on finding the one best and now relishes the wide variety of excellent options.

Once a 2:46 marathoner regularly doing 50+ mile weeks, recent injuries and his age have reduced his volume by about half and slowed his easy training pace to around nine-minute miles—but he says he still enjoys an uptempo workout or two each week. Beverly is the author of the book which explores how each individual’s gait—and thus shoe preference—is unique. He enjoys getting scientists’ take on new shoe trends and trying to describe the nuances of each shoe’s ride.

The post The Best Running Shoes for Training and Racing appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

I’m getting ready for my first marathon in the fall, and I am trying to dial in my kit. I keep hearing about these “super shoes” people use for racing, but they’re expensive, and I don’t know if I should switch to something new for race day. Do I need to buy a super shoe to run my best? —Newbie Distance Runner

Dear Newbie,

Super shoes are no doubt attractive. The lightweight racers with ultra-bouncy foam and embedded carbon plates have been shown to enable some athletes to reach higher speeds with less effort.

Could a super shoe help you run slightly faster and easier than you would in a standard trainer or racer? Yes. Probably. Maybe. It’s complicated.

If you’re a sub-seven-minute-mile marathoner, you’ve established serious training habits and built a strong, athletic stride. And in that pace range, the research says you’ll likely get a 3 or 4 percent improvement in running economy from the shoes. This is why no elite runner would toe the line in anything but a super shoe.

But as a first-time marathoner, do you need that edge? Will it be impossible for you to accomplish your goals without these shoes’ performance-enhancing benefits? No, absolutely not. And there are some good reasons why you might not want to invest in a super shoe.

Research on the benefits for slower runners is mixed. One data analysis of slower marathoners showed time improvements—even greater than among faster runners—after adopting super shoes. In contrast, a controlled study revealed that the slower the runner, the lower the boost in running economy, with 9:40-mile runners seeing only about 1 percent improvement.

Still, any help is appreciated in the marathon, and some experts believe that the real advantage may have more to do with the shoes’ ability to reduce muscle breakdown and fatigue than with improvements in efficiency. If super shoes make finishing strong more likely, they might be worth the $250-plus price tag.

Be aware, however, that nearly a third of the slower runners in the same study showed a decrease in running economy—the shoes made running harder, not easier. Other studies have found even greater variability in runner response.

This is partially due to the fine-tuned bounce and roll of a super shoe’s midsole and plate. Every runner’s stride is unique and interacts with the shoe differently. When we staged a șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online—with three runners comparing 16 different super shoes head-to-head—we found that a shoe that felt magical to one runner often went clunk on another.

Even if a shoe seems good when you are fresh and running strong, it might not be what you want on your foot when you start to tire. Super shoes exacerbate any stride imbalances because of a trampoline-like action that magnifies all forces and movements, for better or worse. Can you maintain the even posture and powerful push-off that a super shoe requires over 26.2 miles? A tall, wobbly platform isn’t what anyone wants when doing the marathon shuffle. For slower, first-time marathoners, the risk of a super shoe impeding their efforts may not be worth the meager potential reward, especially at these prices.

If you decide to go with a super shoe, be sure to test out multiple models to find one that enhances your natural gait rather than changing it or, worse, fighting against it.

Regardless of what you choose for race day, remember that the first rule of marathoning is to dance with the one who brought you: if in doubt, go with old friends—your favorite tried-and-true trainers. Nothing different. Nothing new. Any change opens you up to the possibility of blisters, an altered stride that causes you to fatigue faster, even injury. If you want to wear a specialty shoe, start using it far enough in advance that you’ve adapted to it by race day. Gradually add miles over eight to twelve weeks, building up to several solid marathon-pace runs and at least one long run.

Marathon success depends far more on factors like how well you trained, how well you hydrate and fuel, and how the weather gods treat you than on which shoes you wear. In the end, the best shoes are the ones that get out of the way and quietly let your fitness shine.

Have a question of your own? Send it to us at deargear@outsideinc.com.

The post Do You Actually Need Super Shoes to Run Your Best? appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

While training undeniably has the biggest impact on your marathon performance, there’s one more thing you can do to ensure you’re ready to give your best on race day: invest in a pair of marathon racing shoes.

An effective marathon racing shoe can help reduce the repeated impact that miles after miles put on your legs while allowing you to get more energy out of each footstrike. Even more importantly, the right marathon racing shoe will provide you with a platform that is stable and cushioned enough to carry you through 26.2 miles in security and comfort. We’ve spent the last year rigorously testing every option on the market to help you easily pick the perfect pair for you.

At a Glance

• Best Marathon Racing Super Shoes
• Best Non-Carbon-Plated Marathon Shoes
• Honorable Mentions
• Products to Avoid
• How to Choose Marathon Shoes
• FAQs
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best Marathon Racing Super Shoes

Seven years after the debut of the first super shoe, the thick-stacked, carbon-plated racers are ubiquitous at the front of every marathon and increasingly common among runners in the pack looking to optimize their performance. These shoes have been lab-proven to improve running economy by a few percentage points, making it easier to maintain a faster pace. Runners also report that, when running in a super shoe that complements their stride, they experience less muscular fatigue as well.

These are some of the super shoes that our testers found most comfortable and effective at marathon pace, but your experience may vary (as we found when we had three testers compare 16 super shoes in a ). Every super shoe boasts some sort of ultralight, hyper-responsive foam with an embedded, curved carbon-fiber plate—but each delivers a surprisingly unique ride. You’ll have to experiment to find one that gives you wings.

See our “How to Choose Marathon Shoes” section at the bottom of this article for more guidance on whether you should consider a super shoe and how to select a pair that works for your stride.

• Best Overall: Nike Alphafly 3 ($285)
• Runner-up: On Cloudboom Strike ($280)
• Most Stable: Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris ($250)
• Lightest: Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo ($500)
• Best Firm-Feel: Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 ($250)
• Bounciest: Hoka Cielo X1 ($275)
• Best Zero Drop: Altra Vanish Carbon 2 ($260)
• Best Trail: Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra ($220)

Best Overall Marathon Super Shoe

Nike Alphafly 3

Weight: 7.8 oz (men), 6.2 oz (women)
Stack Height: 40–32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Bouncy, propulsive midsole
⊕ Breathable, form-fitting upper
⊕ Lighter than ever
⊗ Difficult to get on/off
⊗ Unstable heel

Designed specifically for marathons, the Alphafly set a new standard as the fastest marathon shoe ever when Eliud Kipchoge wore them while breaking the 2-hour barrier in a staged marathon, clocking 1:59:40.2 in October 2019.

Now, in its third iteration, the Alphafly 3 continues to dominate as the ultimate marathon racing shoe. Designed with Nike’s Air Zoom Units in the forefoot and a PEBA-based midsole, our more competitive, efficient testers praised the Alphafly 3 for its bouncy, energy-efficient ride.

Subtle adjustments to the shoe’s geometry, including a wider footprint and carbon fiber plate, paired with repositioned Air Zoom Units and strategically sculpted midsole, give the Alphafly 3 a distinctly different feel from its predecessor. These changes effectively address some of the issues found in the Alphafly 2, which many felt was heavy and clunky compared to the original.

The new Alphafly 3 is surprisingly nimble, weighing in as the lightest Alphafly to date. Even running as fast as 5k pace, I found the Alphafly responded quickly, encouraging a fast turnover. That said, it may be too sharp of a tool for some runners, as those who require a stable stance may find it a bit wobbly, especially in the heel.

The redesigned Atomkit 3.0 upper is about as race-y as you can get—extremely light and airy. Though a bit tough to put on because of its tightly woven mesh (like previous models), the new upper is highly breathable and secure, with sawtooth laces that stay tied tight throughout the marathon. You can read our full Alphafly 3 review here and how it compared to other racers in our .

Runner-up Marathon Super Shoe

On Cloudboom Strike

Weight: 7.6 oz (men), 6.6 oz (women)
Stack Height: 39.5–35.5 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Highly cushioned without sacrificing bouncy responsiveness
⊕ Outstanding cushioning-to-weight ratio
⊗ Somewhat unstable

A stark contrast to On’s previous carbon fiber racing shoe, the firm-feeling Cloudboom Echo, the Cloudboom Strike is soft, bouncy, and fun to run in. Runners who can maintain their balance on what is a fairly unstable platform are rewarded with a lively, highly cushioned ride that’s comfortable and responsive, making it ideal for long-distance efforts.

The secret to the Strike’s sweet ride lies with the insole. On swapped out the traditional Strobel (a thin layer connecting the upper to the sole) and sockliner for a thick, removable layer of high-energy PEBA foam, thus increasing the amount of performance-enhancing foam underfoot. The result is a legal racer with cushioning that feels like it exceeds the World Athletics’ maximum stack height.

The smooth, ultra-cushioned ride is surprisingly quick for such a thick shoe, responding nimbly even when exceeding 5k pace. The shoe accommodated both long-striding testers and those who prefer to turn over faster.

The Cloudboom Strike fit runs long enough that you might consider sizing down by half a size. However, the one-piece mesh upper, which breathes well and effectively repels moisture, easily cinches down for a secure foot hold. You can read our full Cloudboom Strike review .

Most Stable Marathon Super Shoe

Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris

Weight: 6.5 oz (unisex)
Stack Height: 39.5–34.5 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: 3.5-13 (men’s), 5-14.5 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Wide, stable stance
⊕ Extremely lightweight
⊕ Versatile ride
⊗ Stiff heel counter can be uncomfortable

The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris gives runners the best of both worlds—a highly energetic, cushioned feel and a stable ride. Super shoes’s tall, thick midsoles often create a wobbly sensation, forcing your stabilizing muscles to work harder to maintain balance.

The key to the Metaspeed Sky Paris’s stability is its wide base under the forefoot, coupled with an updated, wider carbon fiber plate. This makes the Metaspeed Sky Paris an excellent choice for beginner, intermediate, or unstable runners who want to enjoy the benefits of super shoe technology while still having a supportive, predictable platform. One back-of-the-pack tester noted that the broad base provided a “smooth ride, and the running dynamics worked extremely well with my foot and my own personal gait.”

The shoe’s stability, however, doesn’t compromise its stride-lengthening performance for experienced, efficient marathoners. Testers found that the Metaspeed Sky had the ability to work well for a wide range of runners and paces.

The shoe also has a new, more pliable and comfortable mesh upper and midsole foam that’s approximately 8 percent lighter and, Asics says, has an 8.2 percent better energy return over the previous model. The best part: The shoe got nearly an ounce lighter, making it one of the lightest marathon-racing options. You can read more about the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris in our .

Lightest Marathon Super Shoe

adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1

Weight: 4.6 oz (unisex)
Stack Height: 38–32 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 5-10 (men’s), 6-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely light
⊕ Best cushioning-to-weight ratio on the market
⊕ Energetic forward roll
⊗ Lacks durability for heavy and inefficient runners

The groundbreaking adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 shatters the mold as the lightest super shoe ever made, weighing nearly 2 ounces less than the next lightest super shoe. Yet from the outset, I was amazed that a shoe this light could have this much cushioning.

The Pro Evo 1’s rocker is long and aggressive, curving up to a high toe spring (elevation of the toe box). Initially, at well-below marathon speeds, it felt forced and unnatural. However, once I picked it up to around marathon pace and my toes engaged with the steep curve, I sensed a smooth rolling action that energetically pushed me forward. I believe marathoners averaging seven-minute miles or faster will see the most benefit from these.

Besides being the lightest super shoe on the market, the Evo 1 also claims the title of the most expensive. That, coupled with initial talk of the shoe only working for a single marathon, makes the Evo 1 a big investment. Our test pair, however, lasted nearly 200 miles before the midsole showed signs of wear. While not every runner can expect similar durability, those with an efficient stride should enjoy everything the Evo 1 has to offer much longer than a single marathon. You can read our full review and durability test .

Best Firm-Feel Marathon Super Shoe

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4

Weight: 7.8 oz (unisex)
Stack Height: 40–32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 5-12, 13 (men’s), 6.5-13.5, 14.5 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Responsive, proprioceptive ride
⊕ Stable underfoot feel
⊕ Comfortable, breathable upper
⊗ Some may find too firm
⊗ Narrow base made some feel tippy

The challenge with super-soft, highly responsive cushioning in super shoes is that they often lack stability, demanding an efficient stride to maintain control as they first squish, then bounce back strongly, magnifying forces—whether propulsive or unbalanced. For runners seeking a more stable carbon fiber shoe without losing the performance benefits, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 offers a firmer underfoot feel than most.

Instead of the heavily cushioned sink and trampoline-like bounce of many of today’s super shoes, the nitrogen-infused DNA Flash V2 midsole is extremely responsive, pushing back against the foot immediately and ready to pounce on the pace when needed. That lively firmness, combined with a curved carbon fiber plate embedded in the rockered midsole, gives the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 a smooth, stable, and forward-propelling ride.

In terms of fit and feel, Brooks nailed the basics. The thin, breathable mesh upper perfectly embodies a racing shoe’s ideal—minimalistic, with a secure midfoot lockdown that makes you feel firmly in control.

These are not for you if you prefer a highly cushioned, springy running experience. However, if you feel bounced around by most super shoes and want a firmer-feeling shoe that offers a good mix of stability and fast-rolling performance, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 is the shoe you’re looking for. You can read more about the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 in our .

Bounciest Marathon Super Shoe

Hoka Cielo X1

Weight: 9.3 oz (men’s), 7.4 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 39–32 mm (men’s), 37–30 mm (women’s)
Drop: 7 mm
Sizing: 5-12, 13, 14 (men’s), 6-13, 14, 15 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely bouncy midsole
⊕ Forward propelling rocker
⊗ Prescriptive ride will only work for some
⊗ Ribbon laces are tough to tie

With a ride that feels like bouncing on a pogo stick, the Hoka Cielo X1 delivers unmatched spring with every stride. Designed with two layers of ĂŒber-responsive PEBA foam separated by a winged carbon fiber plate and a severe, heel-to-toe rocker profile, testers marveled at how much fun these shoes were. One tester described running in them as “feeling effortless,” adding, “It almost feels like you’re cheating when you’re wearing these shoes.”

However, a few testers had mixed reactions to the shoe’s prescriptive geometry. The stiff platform and aggressive rocker design seemed most effective for a midfoot strike and within a narrow pace range, specifically around six to eight minutes per mile for our testers.

Another knock concerned the shoe’s stiff, ribbon-like shoe laces. Nearly every tester commented on how difficult it was to get a tight, dialed-in knot. Still, if you can get past the less-than-ideal lacing—or choose to swap them out entirely—and are comfortable in the pace range sweet spot, the ride is worth it and could deliver a fun, fast marathon.

Cielo X1 clocks in at a hefty 9.3 ounces for mens size 9 and for womens size 10, making it the heaviest super shoe on the market. Thanks to the high-energy foam, however, we still found it held its own in the super shoe pack when it came to performance. You can read more about the Hoka Cielo X1 in our .

Best Zero Drop Marathon Shoe

Altra Vanish Carbon 2

Weight: 8.1 oz (men’s), 5.8 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 36–36 mm
Drop: 0 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15 (men’s), 5.5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Highly cushioned
⊕ Wide toe box with fitted midsection
⊕ Balanced stance heel-to-toe
⊗ Foam not as bouncy as some super shoes

Unfortunately, there are not a ton of options when it comes to highly cushioned zero drop racing shoes. Fortunately, the only option is a really good one. Now in its second iteration, the Altra Vanish Carbon 2 features three more millimeters of softer, more flexible underfoot cushioning heel to toe. Embedded in the soft, nitrogen-infused, TPE-based midsole is a full-length carbon fiber plate that adds a bit of stabilizing and propulsive stiffness without feeling controlling.

The Vanish Carbon 2’s midsole doesn’t have as dramatic a trampoline sensation as some other marathon racing shoes, but it delivers a smooth, cushioned ride that’s hard to beat. Even as someone who typically struggles with zero-drop shoes, I found the Vanish Carbon 2 enjoyable and surprisingly easy to run in, thanks to the high stack and rockered profile. Testers said the low heel helped increase their cadence and kept them more on their toes.

Despite not having a ton of structure, the lightweight, breathable mesh upper does a surprisingly good job of securing your midfoot while your toes have room to splay in Altra’s signature wide toe box. You can read more about the Altra Vanish Carbon 2 in our .

Best Trail Marathon Super Shoe

Adidas Agravic Terrex Speed Ultra

Weight: 9.5 oz (men’s), 7.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 38–30 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely efficient
⊕ Well cushioned
⊕ Agile ride
⊗ Tipsy through highly technical terrain

When it comes to replicating the performance benefits of road super shoes for the trail, shoemakers have struggled to achieve the same level of success. The adidas Terrex Speed Ultra is a standout exception. Designed with one of the most aggressive rockered profiles on a trail running shoe, the Terrex Speed Ultra feels awkward initially, almost like you’re walking downhill.

However, once you get accustomed to the unique profile that wants to push you forward, you’re rewarded with a propulsive ride unlike any other trail running shoe. Inside, the high-performance TPEE (Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer) midsole incorporates a four-pronged, slightly flexible PEBA-based rod system, providing extra stiffness to the soft foam without creating instability on technical terrain. While it manages well on groomed or rocky sections, like most highly cushioned trail shoes, it’s not designed for prolonged precise technical maneuvering.

Staying true to its race-ready design, the upper is razor-thin and slightly padded to keep weight at a minimum. The quick-drying synthetic material, combined with a gusseted tongue and sawtooth lacing that bites like a threatened rattlesnake, provides excellent midfoot lockdown. The only drawback is the unstructured heel counter, which can cause some heel lift if the laces aren’t pulled extra tight. You can read our full review of the Adidas Agravic Terrex Speed Ultra here.

Best Non-Carbon-Plated Marathon Shoes

Not everyone wants or needs a super shoe when covering 26.2 miles. Here are some top options without a rigid carbon-fiber plate, sorted with consideration for specific needs and preferences.

• Best for Beginners: PUMA Deviate Nitro 3 ($160)
• Most Supportive: Saucony Tempus 2 ($160)
• Best for Wide Feet: Topo Specter 2 ($165)
• Best Minimalist: Topo Cyclone 2 ($150)

Best Beginner Marathon Shoe

Puma Deviate Nitro 3

Weight: 8.8 oz (men’s), 7.6 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 39–29 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15 (men’s), 5.5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Stable for such a cushioned shoe
⊕ Excellent stride and pace versatility
⊕ Comfortable, secure fit
⊗ High drop doesn’t work for some

Supershoes’ tall, highly cushioned soles create an unstable and wobbly platform, especially for beginner runners who spend more time in contact with the ground than their faster counterparts. Plus their rigid, curved plates dictate how the foot rolls, and are tuned to be optimal for fast, efficient runners.

Puma’s Deviate Nitro 3 combats these issues by combining two foams, a softer one closer to the foot with a firmer one closer to the ground, separated by a semi-flexible carbon-fiber composite plate. This design offers most of the cushioning and propulsive benefits of a super shoe, without the instability or the prescriptive stride control.

What sets the Deviate Nitro 3 apart most, however, is its remarkable ability to deliver a smooth ride at any pace. There’s nothing restrictive about the shoe—it adapts to your running speed and performs effortlessly, making it double as a great everyday trainer as well as a racing shoe.

Keeping comfort in mind, the upper features an engineered knit mesh with moderately padded heel collar. Testers felt the fit was true to size with a small amount of stretch throughout the upper to accommodate foot swelling or irregularities, such as bunions. The stretchy laces received mixed reviews, as one found he needed to keep tightening them to feel secure during the run. You can read our full review of the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 .

Most Supportive Marathon Shoe

Saucony Tempus 2

Weight: 9.4 oz (men’s), 8.2 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 33–25 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Highly stable without sacrificing responsiveness
⊕ Supportive without excessive control
⊕ Snug and comfortable fitting upper
⊗ Not as cushioned as most super shoes/trainers

When the Saucony Tempus first came out, we were blown away by its ability to control the soft, unstable nature of a PEBA midsole without taking away its high-energy, performance-enhancing benefits. Keeping everything the same underfoot, but adding a better fitting, more breathable mesh upper, the Tempus 2 continued to wow us with its supportive, yet lively ride.

The combination of soft, bouncy PEBA foam and a firmer EVA frame that uniquely wraps over and under the high-performance core helps guide the foot into a more stable position, making it perfect for beginners, or any runner, who may struggle with foot alignment, particularly during a long and exhausting marathon. The moderate stack height of 33mm in the heel and 25mm in the forefoot strikes a perfect balance—not so thick and cushioned that you can’t push off effectively, yet not so thin that it compromises comfort. The dual foam midsole, without a plate, provides ample underfoot protection while still allowing for a good sense of ground feel and accommodates any stride pattern.

The main drawback is that it’s relatively heavy for a racing shoe (while light for a trainer). Weighing 9.4 ounces for men and 8.2 ounces for women, it’s the heaviest shoe on our list. However, if you prioritize stability and want to tap into the performance benefits of PEBA in a supportive but not prescriptive shoe, this is still the top choice on the market.

Best Marathon Shoe for Wide Feet

Topo Specter 2

Weight: 8.1 oz (men’s), 7.0 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 37–32 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: 8-13, 14 (men’s), 6-11, 12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Roomy toe box
⊕ Great fitting upper
⊕ Natural, flexible, springy ride
⊗ Midsole may be too firm for some

Known for its wide toe box designs, Topo has mastered the balance of offering plenty of space for your toes while ensuring a secure midfoot lockdown. One of only four shoes in this roundup without a plate in the midsole, the Topo Specter 2 delivers a more natural and flexible experience than your stiff-plated super shoe or super trainer. A generous layer of Pebax foam underfoot is tuned firmer than usual, but still delivers its signature bouncy ride. One tester described the midsole as “firm and springy with a lot of response,” adding, “the shoe feels airy and fast with the perfect balance of stiffness versus flex.”

Testers found the Specter 2 incredibly versatile. It delivers the same ease and comfort on easy run days as it does on uptempo runs or races, thanks to its highly cushioned, responsive, and adaptable sole, and low overall weight.

Where the shoe truly stands out, however, is in its fit. One tester said about Topo shoes, “They’ve gone from being one of my least favorite brands to offering some of the best-fitting shoes I’ve tested.” The wide toe box isn’t just for runners with wide feet. Even our runners with regular-width feet appreciated the extra space, once they got used to their toes having room for their natural positioning and splay.

Best Minimalist Marathon Shoe

Topo Cyclone 2

Weight: 6.9 oz (men’s), 5.5 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 28–23 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: 8-13 (men’s), 6-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Superb fit
⊕ Unrestricted, natural, proprioceptive ride
⊕ Soft, bouncy midsole
⊗ Cushioning is too thin for some
⊗ Sole too flexible for some

As foams have evolved to be increasingly lighter, marathon racing shoes are getting thicker and more cushioned. Rather than allowing your foot to react to the ground and move naturally, these thick-soled shoes blunt the underfoot feel and dictate how your foot moves through the gait cycle to various degrees. While this works well for some runners, others prefer a more minimalist ride.

If you’re the kind of runner who finds today’s cushioned shoes cumbersome and as restrictive as a stiff suit of armor, look no further. The Topo Cyclone 2 is a free and flexible lightweight racer that lets your foot control the shoe, not the other way around. Testers described the ride as “nimble” and “flexible” with a “slipper-like” feel.

The Cyclone 2’s Pebax midsole delivers the soft feel and springy response of a super shoe, but the comparatively thin stack height (28mm/23mm) keeps the squish and bounce moderate, and lets you feel the ground under the cushioning. You won’t find a plate embedded in the flexible midsole; instead there’s a slight rocker profile to help smooth the transition from stance to toe-off.

We’ve always found Topo Athletic makes some of the best-fitting shoes on the market, and the Cyclone certainly follows suit. A tailored midsection with excellent lockdown gives way to a roomy anatomical toe box. You can read our full review of the Topo Cyclone 2 here.

Those looking for a low-profile, flexible ride with some support might consider the Brooks Hyperion 2 GTS, which has a moderate stack height (31.5–23.5mm), responsive cushioning, and gently guides the gait with firmer, raised sidewalls alongside the rearfoot.

Honorable Mentions

• – Best described as a more accessible, fast-training counterpart to the Hoka Cielo X1, the Mach X2 impressed our testers with its energetic and responsive ride. A great option for those who want a super shoe ride for training and racing without paying the super shoe prices. However, some testers found the geometry and plate to be prescriptive—dictating how the foot rolled—which prevented it from making our top picks.
• – Diadora isn’t as widely known in the U.S. as many other brands, but the Italian company has a strong tradition in athletic footwear. Sporting an uber soft underfoot feel, the shoe’s geometry keeps it surprisingly stable for such a spongy shoe. The one knock is the $300 price tag making it the second most expensive super shoe.
• – While not as bouncy as some of the above supershoes, this shoe shines in its cushioning abilities. With a soft and extremely smooth ride, I found these best suited for long runs at marathon pace when I wanted some extra protection. Marathoners who prioritize maximum cushioning will enjoy racing in these.
• – The Vaporfly 3 remains one of the top super shoes on the market, offering one of the lightest and most responsive rides available. Where most runners who like Nike will opt for the marathon-forward Nike Alphafly 3, the Vaporfly 3 offers those who like a little less shoe a lightweight, fast option.

Products to Avoid

• – Kudos for TYR for jumping in the carbon plated super shoe game, but this one missed the mark. With a downright firm underfoot ride and highly prescriptive roll testers all agreed this shoe gives nothing back and creates an awkward stride.
• – Not every tester would agree that this belongs on the “do not buy” list, but there are simply much better options available. Even On seems to recognize its shortcomings, as they’re phasing the shoe out since the introduction of the Cloudboom Strike. In my experience, it feels overly firm—bordering on harsh. If you prefer a firmer ride, I’d suggest the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 instead as it offers a firm feel with a bit of added responsiveness and pop.

How to Choose Marathon Shoes

After dedicating countless hours to marathon training, it’s just as crucial to invest time and effort into choosing the right running shoe for race day. Unlike your everyday trainer, a marathon racing shoe must strike a balance between providing enough stability to maintain your form over 26.2 miles and offering sufficient cushioning to protect your legs from the constant impact, while not weighing you down or holding you back. Here’s what you must consider when buying the ideal marathon racing shoes.

Stability

As running shoes become thicker and softer, they can start to feel unstable and wobbly. This instability forces the stabilizing muscles in your feet and legs to work harder, which can lead to premature fatigue and even injury. To prevent this, it’s crucial to choose a marathon racing shoe that provides a stable enough platform for your stride, ensuring consistent support throughout the race, even when you grow tired and your stride becomes less efficient. Stability is built into a marathon racing shoe by using embedded plates, firmer midsoles, a widened base, and a more structured heel counter and rearfoot hold.

Cushioning

Cushioning refers to the perceived underfoot firmness of a running shoe. While cushioning levels are a matter of personal preference, wearing softer running shoes during the marathon can be beneficial. One with 32 recreational runners found that wearing highly cushioned running shoes improved performance by 5.7 percent and reduced oxygen consumption by 3.2 percent during incremental treadmill tests. However, runners must balance cushioning benefits with stability and propulsion needs.

Fit

Given the length of the marathon it’s crucial to make sure your marathon racing shoes fit well. Since over the course of the 26.2 miles your feet may swell, you should make sure you have enough room in the toe box to accommodate this swelling. A good general rule of thumb is to make sure you have at least a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. You should be able to wiggle your toes without them bumping up against the front of the shoe. While you want space for your toes to splay, the upper should hold your foot securely around the heel and instep.

FAQs

Should You Train in a Carbon Fiber-plated Shoe?

While this is a highly debated topic, the current thinking is to limit the amount of time spent training in carbon fiber plated shoes. These shoes are built with a thick, highly cushioned, and unstable platform, and a rigid rocker profile. Unlike more flexible running shoes that allow your foot to move naturally, carbon fiber shoes dictate the way your feet strike the ground and roll forward, potentially altering your natural gait, which can lead to injury. In addition, the powerful bounce magnifies any instability, causing more stress on your muscles, tendons, and joints. Ideally, limit your carbon-plated shoes to race day and a few speed sessions. Super trainers—with the same high-end foams but more flexible plates—can be a great alternative for weekly speed sessions or fast-finish long runs.

How Long Do Marathon Racing Shoes Last?

The length of marathon racing shoes varies on a runner’s weight, stride efficiency, and model of shoe. Typically, lighter runners who have an efficient stride will realize longer shoe lifespans, while heavier runners who spend more time on the ground will see less. Generally speaking, you should get somewhere around 100 to 200 miles from your marathon racing shoes before the midsole begins to decompress. Visual cues, such as worn down outsole, uneven midsole compression, or holes in the upper, can be your best indicator of it being time to replace your marathon shoes. șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű of that, I’ve found if you start to question whether it’s time to replace your shoes, it’s usually time.

Should Beginners Race in a Carbon Fiber Shoe?

There are a few factors beginner runners should consider before choosing a carbon fiber shoe. First, most carbon fiber running shoes are designed with fast, efficient runners in mind. have shown that slower runners get less improvement in their running economy from the shoes, and the shoes actually make running harder for a significant number.

If you have developed solid mechanics, you may benefit from a carbon fiber shoe. However, if your form is still a work in progress, the stiffness of the carbon plate and the hyper-responsiveness of the foam could actually magnify poor mechanics, reduce your performance, and increase the risk of injury.

Additionally, every carbon fiber shoe is built differently—the placement and shape of the carbon plate, geometry of the midsole and properties of the foam all are different, model to model. This means no two carbon plated shoes will run exactly the same. It’s important to match your individual gait to a carbon fiber shoe by testing several options for the one that feels the best. In general, beginners should be cautious and make sure they’re fully comfortable in carbon fiber shoes before racing in them.

How We Test

Our exhaustive testing process involves evaluating every marathon racing shoe on the market, sometimes as long as over a year, with input from more than 20 experienced wear-testers. They each fill out a detailed testing questionnaire evaluating key points such as fit, comfort, cushioning, and speed. The completed questionnaires are compiled and combined with testing feedback from lead tester Cory Smith, who brings over a decade of experience testing running shoes for șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű. Shoes that excel in specific areas are then ranked and categorized in relation to their strengths.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Cory Smith

Cory Smith, a former Division One runner at Villanova University, has been running since the mid-1990s. With over a decade of experience testing and reviewing running apparel and shoes for publications like șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű and Runner’s World, he continues to compete as a masters athlete, boasting a masters personal best of 4:31 in the mile at the age of 44. He consistently logs 30 to 40 miles per week on roads, trails, and the track.

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Stepping into the Nike Vomero 17 is like pulling on your old college sweatshirt and a pair of pajama pants. They’re insanely comfortable and make you wonder why you’d ever want to wear anything else. Thankfully, they perform a lot better on the run than your old cotton digs, and testers raved about their ride on long runs and shorter speed efforts alike.

Nike Vomero 17

Pros and Cons:
⊕ Extremely comfortable upper
⊕ Soft, smooth cushioning
⊕ Versatile
⊗ Super slippery laces that come untied

Weight: 10.6 ounces (men’s), 8.5 ounces (women’s)
Stack Height: 39.5–30łŸłŸ
Drop: 9.5mm
Sizing: 6-15, regular and extra wide (men’s); 5-12, regular and extra wide (women’s)

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The light and propulsive Pebax foam that carried Eulid Kipchoge to his 1:59:40 marathon is the same material you’ll find underfoot in the Nike Vomero 17. The ZoomX layer sits on top of a firmer, compression-molded, EVA-based Cushlon foam. This combination feels like a ridiculously soft pillow for the first few steps—especially with the absence of the ZoomAir unit that was in the forefoot of the Vomero 16. However, we found that once we settled into our strides, the latest Vomero felt increasingly responsive, and we just wanted to keep running.

“The cushioning felt just right, lending itself to a springy ride,” says Boulder, Colorado tester Kiki Silver. Katie Bleichman of Louisville, Colorado, gushed, “They are springy without being overly bouncy, supportive without being clunky and heavy, and speed-inspiring.”

The versatile platform dampens impact when going long and provides pep when picking up the pace. “It’s livelier than most,” says an impressed tester. “Now that I’ve tried this shoe, I wonder if maybe I’ve been running in shoes that are too cushioned. Maybe those sink-in cushioning shoes that don’t offer as much responsiveness are the real reason why I’ve been getting slower.” She may be onto something.

While many highly cushioned shoes sacrifice flexibility—it’s difficult to bend massive amounts of foam—the Vomero 17 remains flexible thanks to a 9.5-millimeter drop to a thinner forefoot, the malleable ZoomX foam, and the absence of a plate. That flexibility not only makes the shoe feel fast, it also affords a natural-feeling stride. Testers found their toes and arches engaging, particularly during uptempo training—which makes the Vomero a healthy balance for alternating with a plated trainer or racer. The sporty overall design of the Vomero also made us feel downright nimble.

The fit of the slightly stretchy, engineered mesh upper worked for a range of foot types, from the super narrow to the wide. A secure heel cup, bolstered by molded sidewalls, gives way to a roomier toe box, allowing wriggle room without sloshing about. A nicely padded heel collar and gusseted tongue, plus a soft, gently supportive insole adds to the plush step-in feel.

“I loved everything about these shoes,” said one tester. “The sleek look, the cushioning, the lightweight nature of the shoe
 everything except the laces.” About that last point, we agree. We have to point out that the laces are slick and come untied, even occasionally when double-knotted. Consider swapping them out for less slippery ones.

Though not toothy like a trail shoe, the high-abrasion rubber outsole with small, waffle-patterned lugs, gave us great traction, even on dirt paths. On roads, smooth dirt, and gravelly paths, we felt like we could push off easily when increasing turnover, and were able to corner like Lightning McQueen.

We think the Vomero 17 is a fantastic daily trainer, one that can both ease the miles on long runs and turn over quickly and lively on shorter efforts, making running in it fun—and isn’t that the point?

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The search for your next pair of road running shoes ends here. Whether you’re building miles or chasing more movement in your daily life, underfoot comfort and spring are essential. And with its optimal balance of impact absorption and energy return, the might be as close as you can get to running on a cloud. The smart science-backed improvements to the beloved NovaBlast set this iteration apart from anything you’ve experienced before. Here’s how it works.Ìę

Energized Cushion

That springy underfoot feel in every stride isn’t a happy accident. When rethinking the NovaBlast, ASICS worked diligently to integrate next-level energized cushion into every facet of its design. From a midsole equipped with the lightweight cushioning of FF Blast+ Eco for softer landings to the trampoline-like outsole with geometric shaping for improved bounce and acceleration where you need it most, this shoe ensures you reach your full running potential. You’ll also notice that the NovaBlast 4 has a new asymmetrically engineered outsole and midsole to improve toe spring. This reimagined shape allows you to focus on your heels and the balls of your feet to achieve a continuous energy return.

Beyond its ability to deliver cloudlike cushion, FF Blast+ Eco is derived from sustainably sourced materials. This ultraenergetic foam is made with 20 percent recycled bio-based content, which helps lower the shoe’s overall 23 percent below the industry average.

Comfort and Durability

Improving sustainability in the running industry doesn’t stop at the material input. For ASICS, it also includes the development of durable, long-lasting footwear. The result of choosing quality-made running shoes like the NovaBlast 4? Less unnecessary waste—and more miles per pair. Strategically employing Ahar Lo, an abrasion-resistant rubber, in key areas of the outsole improves durability in the NovaBlast 4 where other shoes show their first signs of wear and tear.Ìę

Without comfort, the rest doesn’t matter. That’s why ASICS equipped this iteration of the NovaBlast with a newly engineered woven upper that has a stretchy yet supportive construction designed to flex with your movements. In addition to the lightweight breathability every runner wants in a shoe upper, the NovaBlast 4 takes every opportunity to enhance comfort, down to the perforated detail and winged construction of the tongue.

Whatever your running goals—faster, farther, or just more comfortable—the new NovaBlast 4 will help you achieve them.

Anima sana on corpore sano, meaning “a sound mind in a sound body,” is an old Latin phrase from which is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 70 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of performance athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories.

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With the new year approaching, running shoe brands have started previewing the models they’ll roll out out in 2024. The new crop shows lots of promise, with advanced materials and innovative designs delivering versatile shoes that are smoother-riding, faster, more comfortable, and more durable than ever. Here are some of the models that we’re most excited about running in when they’re available in the coming months.Ìę

Topo Specter 2 ($165)

Slated for May 2024

I was leery when Topo—a brand that started out making second-generation, slightly more cushioned minimalist models—launched the high-stack, well-cushioned Specter in 2022. But the shoe won me over because it maintained the stable ground feel I expect from the brand while delivering bouncy, lively cushioning. Topo achieved this by encasing a Pebax footbed in a firmer EVA frame that kept the foot rolling forward, not sideways. Even I admitted, however, that the frame sacrificed some of the exciting boing delivered by full-Pebax midsoles.

Last year, Topo delivered a full-Pebax shoe, the Cyclone 2, which avoided squishiness and instability by having a lower stack height and wide platform underfoot. I fell instantly in love, and it is now my favorite Topo—one of my favorite running shoes ever, in fact.

Now Topo has announced a new Specter, which will also have a full Pebax midsole, but maintains its high stack height. It even gains two millimeters, making it a whopping 37 millimeters in the heel, 32 in the forefoot—nine millimeters higher than the Cyclone 2. Despite the thick stack of soft, bouncy foam (the same density as in the Cyclone 2), and the lack of a plate to control that foam, Russ Stevens, product manager at Topo, says I won’t be wobbling or wallowing in them due to their geometry. “The heel is quite wide and you’re almost sitting down inside the midsole platform,” Stevens says. “So when you’re landing, you’re not rocking side to side—you roll nicely through the gait cycle. It does a great job of feeling light and responsive while still providing that stability.”

While I’ll have to experience it to believe it, I have been impressed with other recent models that create stability through geometry. I also prefer not to have a rigid plate in a training shoe because of injury risk and loss of foot strength. Stevens added another good reason why they went plateless: “We wanted to make sure that this shoe stayed fast, light, and responsive regardless of pace. By putting a plate in the shoe, we were concerned that we had to dictate the pace that the shoe was best at, because you have to tune the plate to an ideal runner. By keeping the plate out of it, it made the shoe more democratic.” Plus, omitting the plate saves some weight—the shoe comes in at only 7.6 ounces.

Even a cushion-leery curmudgeon like me can’t help getting excited about the promise of a shoe with Topo’s fit—snug from heel to arch with plenty of toe room—and the bounce of a full stack of super foam that stays in control through clever geometry. I’m eager to run in the new Spectrum to see if they pulled it off.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos ($200)

Slated for August 2024

Early Fresh Foam shoes from New Balance like the circa-2015 Zante were responsive, nimble, and rather firm, as befitted fast shoes of the day. I recall many pleasant up-tempo training miles in them. Through the years, the line has lost its speedy heritage and morphed into super-soft models that the brand admits are made more for wearing 24/7 than for logging serious miles. This shoe is a return to high-performance training, executed in a new way in this age of super foams. “What we wanted to do was to bring a super trainer into Fresh Foam,” says Constanza Campos, global product manager for performance running at New Balance.Ìę

What makes the Balos stand out is the Peba-based foam (the first use of the industry-leading midsole material in the Fresh Foam line), and the shoe’s unique geometry. The forefoot is aggressively rockered, like most fast models today. The Balos goes one step further with significant heel camber as well, which, combined with the malleable Peba foam and the gound-contact EVA outsole (remember the Beacon?), promises super-smooth landings and a seamless, fast-rolling ride from touchdown to toe-off. Like the Topo Specter, the Balos won’t have a prescriptive plate, allowing for each runner’s preferred movement pattern during training miles. High sidewalls and a wide base should keep the foot centered on the platform as you compress and rebound off the sole.

Rounding out the package is a comfy and secure upper. “Our inspiration was to create a crossover between racing and training,” Campos says. “So we wanted the lightweight, the breathability, the technicality of a racing shoe, but with the comfort of a training shoe.” Centering the fit is a stretchy, gusseted knit tongue that Campos calls, “Crazy nice.”

It’s easy to imagine putting in comfortable long miles and bouncy tempo runs in this 9.2-ounce trainer when it comes out in August.

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2

Slated for February 2024

Two years ago, I named the first Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite as one of the shoes I was most excited to try in 2022 because of its decoupled sole, which allowed the heel and toe to move independently (and made it look ĂŒber-cool). That shoe did indeed deliver a unique ride, but the different midsole compounds—Pebax in the forefoot, EVA in the heel—made the decoupling feel somewhat disjointed. This second version has the same foam under both ends, promising to smooth out the ride, plus Puma introduced new materials and innovations that have me salivating to try this one on the roads as well.

The second version of the Fast-R got upgrades in both elements that define super shoes: the foam and the plate. Todd Falker, the brand’s head product line manager, says they went to the lab and asked, “For the last seven years, everyone has said Pebax is the best thing in the industry. What is the next best thing?” And the materials lab had an answer: Aliphatic TPU, a polymer, which, in membrane form is often for its lightweight durability. As Falker describes it, this new compound retains all the bounciness of TPU in a lighter, more consistent foam, with more energy return than Pebax (they measured the Aliphatic TPU at 93 percent). Plus, it has endurance. “It is as strong at mile 25 as at mile one, or through a few hundred miles,” Falker says. “You get consistency in performance; the foam doesn’t degrade like others do.” The Aliphatic TPU delivers a similar squish-and-rebound trampoline effect as Pebax, but Falker says it feels a bit firmer underfoot, more bounce than squish, which I personally appreciate.

The Fast-R 2’s new plate is unique because it extends past the toe, sticking out from the midsole like the tip of an impertinent tongue. Falker says the patented design will add length to each step. “Our researchers have shown that it saves about 50 steps over the course of a marathon,” he said. Whether or not that will hold true for every runner, it will be intriguing to experience what Falker claims is the “longest and most aggressive plate in the industry.”Ìę

The next best thing in foam, coupled with a step-saving plate—what’s not to get excited about? I’ll use them sparingly but will certainly be trying them out when they’re available at retail in February.Ìę

Mount to Coast R1 Racer ($180)

Slated for April 2024

Every year we see several new brands try to break into the crowded running space. One that caught my eye this year was this clean-looking model designed for racing ultramarathons on the track. The oddly-named Hong Kong-based brand says their designs are rooted in a biomechanics lab where they can optimize the shoes’ ergonomic fit and long-run comfort and support. I don’t have a track ultra on my schedule any time soon, but I am interested in trying this shoe for several reasons.

First is the plateless, moderate-height (28/22mm) Pebax midsole with a PU insert under the highest-pressure areas that, combined, promises a smooth, bouncy ride with staying power. “They are made of very durable materials,” says Victor Zhang, head of sourcing at Mount To Coast. “They may last over 1,000 miles.” That’s an impressive claim, but they’ve got the ultrarunner testing to prove it.

Second, I love the decoupled closure system, with traditional laces on the top half of the eyelets, and a separate quick-pull lace on the bottom. I’ve long felt that it makes sense to be able to tighten these parts of the shoe separately, as the tension needs on the instep—where you want to lock the fit down—and ball—where you need room for splay—differ at all times, and even more so when the foot swells as you’re going long. This design makes it easy to dial in the different zones, and to quickly adjust the lower half tension when needed.

I also got to step into a pair of the R1s at The Running Event in late November, and can attest to the comfort of the shoe’s ergonomic fit: both the upper and the sole matched my foot shape, holding and supporting invisibly. A few running steps revealed a lightly cushioned, firmly responsive ride (reminiscent of the Tracksmith Eliot Runner, but with a better fit), that made me want to head out the door in them. I’ll have to wait for the April 18 release date before I can see if they live up to their promise on the long run.

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra ($220)

Slated for April 2024

Lots of people have been eager to try this shoe, ever since Tom Evans wore a prototype to victory at the 2023 Western States 100. After having a chance to see and feel a production model, I’m even more excited about taking them out on my trails and dirt roads.

What impressed me most about the shoe is that it appears to be designed to act as an extension of the foot, rather than as a platform to land on and roll off of, like many max-cushioned models. The shoe’s shape is foot-like from heel to toe: the heel is rounded where you roll onto it, and relatively narrow, avoiding the rotational torque from the long levers created by flared soles—while your foot sits inside high sidewalls to ensure you stay centered. The shoe’s midfoot is even narrower and can flex rotationally, letting the rear- and forefoot act independently as you encounter uneven footing. The forefoot, however, widens out dramatically—like the human foot—enabling a stable, engaged stance.

Inside the midsole, the “plate” is actually four rods that act independently—like foot bones—and are made of Pebax in its firm plastic mode as you’d find in sprint spike plates. These rods splay closer to the outside edges of the forefoot than the ones on Adidas’s road models, providing more stability. They are also semi-flexible and responsive, to allow adaptation to technical terrain and add to the pop of the push-off.

The midsole itself is a thick (38–30mm) stack of Lightstrike Pro, a Peba-based foam used in Adidas’s top-end Adizero marathon racing models. Based on my experience with those shoes, I believe the foam will translate well to the trail, as it provides plenty of bounce but not as much squish as other super foams, delivering more of a smooth, highly responsive roll than a soft trampoline—so it won’t be bouncing you sideways on a trail.

Given their stack height, I probably won’t use them for truly gnarly terrain, where I’m much more comfortable being close to the trail (see the Brooks Catamount Agil), but I can’t wait to take them on long tempo runs on moderate trails when they’re available after April 15.

Brooks Catamount Agil ($180)

Slated for January 2024

Many runners seem to be fine running trails on high-stack shoes, as evidenced by the proliferation of max-cushioned trail models on the market today. I’m not one of them (which probably stems from having broken a bone in my foot when I rolled it over on a root while wearing a tall, squishy trail shoe). As a former (and sometimes current) minimalist, I’ve reluctantly learned to appreciate more cushioning and rebound on roads and smooth trails, but when I’m navigating rocky and rooty terrain I want to feel the trail and be able to react quickly and agilely. So I’m pleased when a company introduces a shoe that is svelte and nimble.

The original Brooks Catamount training shoe already had a moderate stack height (31–25mm) and a flexible, articulated plate that gave it a stable feel and a lively ride. But, the brand says, Brooks’ athletes asked if they could get a lighter, more flexible shoe to race in. Ask and ye shall receive: meet the Catamount Agil.

The new model keeps you closer to the ground while promising to still provide a lively underfoot feel by using a thin (26–18mm) layer of Brook’s most responsive foam, DNA Flash V2, a nitrogen-infused EVA-TPU blend found in their marathon-racing super shoes. The Agil has a new split, articulated, flexible Pebax plate that adds pop without losing proprioception, and gains deeper lugs for sure-footed foot-plants when moving fast and changing directions—but weighs in nearly two ounces lighter than the Catamount.

I love the Catamount (it will stay around, getting an updated upper for version 3 in 2024) and plan to keep wearing it for daily miles on long trail runs. But I’m itching to dance across rocky ridges, descend gnarly switchbacks, and bounce up boulder-strewn ascents in the Catamount Agil when it comes out in January.

The post The Running Shoes We’re Most Excited to Try in 2024 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

The world was introduced to the ground-breaking, futuristic-looking Alphafly on the feet of Eliud Kipchoge when he broke the two-hour marathon barrier in October 2019. Overnight, every marathon runner wanted a pair, and they finally had the chance to buy their own in June 2020.

Two years later, Nike released its second iteration of the popular Alphafly. Seeking to fix some stability issues for non-elite runners in the original Alphafly, the newly updated Alphafly 2 received mixed reviews. While some stability issues were resolved, many die-hard Alphafly fans felt the Alphafly 2 wasn’t as bouncy as the original.

Now, only 18 months after the release of the Alphafly 2, Nike is again updating the cult classic. and we have our hands on an early pair. It’s already set a marathon world record on the feet of Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago, but how does it perform for mortals?ÌęHere’s everything you need to know about the all-new Nike Alphafly 3 and our first impressions.

Nike Alphafly 3 Specs

MSRP: $275
Weight: 7.7 ounces (men’s 10); 6.2 ounces (women’s 8)
Stack Height: <40 millimeters
Drop: 8 millimeters
Release Date:

What’s New

• Continuous bottom, versus disjointed forefoot and heel on the previous two Alphafly models, for smoother heel-to-toe transitions
• The lightest Alphafly ever made, coming in 15% lighter than the Alphafly 2 and 4% lighter than the original Alphafly
• Wider last and carbon fiber plate through the midfoot for better arch support and overall stability
• Tweaked ZoomX midsole compression ratio for better performance and reduced weight
• Placement of Air Zoom units adjusted both horizontally and vertically in the midsole to enable more use and give more energy back to the runner
• Reductive midsole geometry to reduce weight and place more midsole in areas you need it and less in places you don’t
• Fast Shot outsole that’s lighter while still offering superior grip and traction
• Softer and more comfortable Atomkit 3.0 upper that uses lighter Flyknit yarns and a redesigned lacing system

The Lowdown on the Update

The Alphafly was designed to be Nike’s most advanced marathon-specific shoe. However, Bret Schoolmeester, senior product director of Nike running footwear, says Nike still saw a mix of Vaporflys and Alphaflys on marathoners. For this update, Schoolmeester explains, “The overall goal was to increase the adoption of the Alphafly 3 as our pinnacle marathon-specific shoe.” To achieve this, Schoolmeester and his team identified three areas in which to improve the Alphafly: transition, comfort, and stability.

This process started with enlisting Nike’s largest testing pool ever, which included over 300 elite and non-elite runners, with a concerted effort to include more female testers. Schoolmeester explained that focusing more on female testers represents a shift they’re makingÌę throughout Nike running, adding, “We’ve noticed that our female wear testers, in general, tend to be more vocal and more articulate on ways that we can be better.” The result is a higher standard and, ultimately, a better product.

It’s clear just by looking at the Alphafly 3 that it’s a very different shoe than the first two versions. Instead of a disjoined forefoot and rearfoot, Nike opted for a traditional continuous sole. This was a clear signal Nike wanted to make it a better-transitioning shoe for runners who touchdown on the heel to midfoot. Additionally, Nike increased the width of the last, midsole, and carbon-fiber plate around the midfoot. These tweaks were meant to increase the transition, comfort, and stability of the ride as well as prevent irritation in the arch, which Schoolmeester acknowledged was an issue in past Alphaflys.

In terms of the midsole, you’ll still find full-length ZoomX but a slightly different variation than we’ve seen before from Nike. When pressed for specifics, Schoolmeester said, “I can’t share a bunch more, but basically, how we’re treating the preform design and using compression ratios. We’ve really started to tinker to get the best possible performance out of the foam while reducing weight, similar to Vaporfly 3, but not exact.”

Embedded in the tweaked ZoomX midsole is the full-length carbon fiber plate that’s wider in the midfoot, and two forefoot Air Zoom units. While the Air Zoom units are unchanged, Nike obsessed over where to place them, adjusting their position horizontally and vertically in the forefoot so that a wider range of runners, including lighter runners, could fully engage the pods of pressurized air and tightly stretched fibers to get the most energy return and restore the bounciness of the original Alphafly.

One of the most significant and noticeable changes about the Alphafly 3 is its reduced weight. My men’s size 8.5 was 12% lighter (compared to Nike’s men’s size 10, which is 15% lighter) than the Alphafly 2 and 4% lighter than the original Alphafly. Most weight savings came from the all-new Fast Shot outsole and the new Atomkit 3.0 upper with softer Flyknit yarns for added comfort.

How We Tested the Nike Alphafly 3

I received a pair of the Nike Alphafly 3 one week ago and have put 30 miles in them, including a 4-mile Turkey Trot race and one 12-mile marathon workout. I’ve trained and raced in every previous Nike super shoe, including both of the previous Alphafly versions. To better compare both previous Alphafly (1 and 2) versions, I did A/B testing where I wore the Alphafly 3 on my right foot and, on separate runs, the Alphafly 1 and 2 on my left foot.

Nike Alphafly 3 Wear-Test Review

Let me start by saying that I liked the original Alphafly better than the second version. I didn’t think the Alphafly 2 was a bad shoe; it just didn’t have the bounciness the first Alphafly had, and it was slightly heavier. I found the Alphafly 2 did a great job during really long runs as my form started to stray and I needed some additional stability and rearfoot support, but as a sub-marathon shoe, it felt heavy and clunky. I’d turn to my original Alphafly or Vaporfly 3 for these distances.

I believe part of the bounciness issues around the Alphafly 2 was I didn’t feel like I was engaging the Air Zoom units—my weight was coming down midfoot and rolling onto the forefoot Air Zoom units. But in the Alphafly 3, when I locked in at a faster pace, I naturally landed under my first metatarsal and popped right back up. If you hold the sole at the same level as your eyes, you can see the outsole under the units protrudes a tiny more than the rest of the sole. I believe this helped me engage the units more.

The Alphafly 3 felt like a return to the original. I could tell I was loading and getting bounce back from each Air Zoom unit. Even my running partner commented that they sounded more like the original Alphaflys—producing a loud slapping noise with each step.

When I slowed down and forcefully landed on my rear foot, I felt a soft landing and a moderately stable, smooth transition. The continuous bottom, plus the wider last and plate, make a noticeable difference. In both A/B testing, transitions and stability were clearly better in the Alphafly 3 than in the previous versions. It was also easy to tell there was more shoe under my arch on the foot wearing the Alphafly 3. In the first two Alphaflys, I felt a slight inward roll that caused irritation, and the Alphafly 3 felt stable and comfortable with no hot spots during my 12-mile test run

During my 4-mile Turkey Trot, they never felt too bulky or like too much shoe for such a short race. They felt smooth and perfectly capable of handling much faster than marathon pace, something I would have never said about the Alphafly 2.

While I didn’t get to test the outsole traction in wet conditions, I regularly run on a sandy beach path. Most of my shoes tend to feel slick in sandy spots, but the Alphafly 3 had surprisingly good footing.

I also felt a sizable improvement in overall comfort. It still takes a little effort to put the shoe on, but once laced in, the new Atomkit 3.0 upper felt much softer against the skin, almost to the point I could go sockless.

How do they compare with the previous Alphaflys? For me, the Alphafly 3 is without a doubt much better than the Alphafly 2. I’d put the 3 on par with the original Alphafly, but I think the 3 is certainly better for the masses. The Alphafly 3 is more comfortable and offers better stability with comparable energy return. Pinned up against the Vaporfly 3, the Alphafly 3 is a much better marathon shoe thanks to its improved stability and more comfortable fit

The Verdict on the Alphafly 3

I’m still attached to the original Alphafly, and will still be stingy, using them only for special races until there’s no life left in them. But there’s comfort in knowing that the Alphafly 3 brings the bounce back, and I don’t need to be as frugal with it. And when I’m going long and fast, I have a new favorite shoe that is both energetic and stable.

The post The Nike Alphafly 3 Review Verdict: The Best Marathon Shoe to Date appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Shoes and Apparel

($69)

Whether we like it or not, if you’re an early morning runner, we are firmly into transition season. Enter the three-quarter tight, for a little fresh air around the ankles, but enough coverage to keep you warm. I love Varlo bike-style shorts for triathlon races, as their super-wide and high waistbands are perfect for running support, while also being tummy-friendly. These Soho tights have the same waist configuration, with 40 percent elastane mixed with polyester. They do the trick to get me out the door, every time. There’s a back zipper pocket, which is larger than most, perfect for gels, keys, and emergency cappuccino money. While you could wrestle your phone in there, I prefer to utilize the back pocket of the .Ìę – Melanie Mitchell, Run Brand Director

($112)

Years ago, I was obsessed with running trails in the Nike Streak, the company’s lightest cross-country flat. It had just enough traction to keep you on the trail. I’d since lost track of the Streak, but recently picked up a pair of the Streakfly, which is its sort of flashy (and more expensive) upgrade. Wow. So fun. Fun on roads. Fun on trails. Fun on gravel. The ZoomX foam and stack feels a touch precarious for technical trails (apparently it’s lower than its recent predecessor, the VaporFly), but the ride is smooth and protective. If you’re not into narrow shoes, you may pass this one up, but at six ounces, I’ve really been enjoying zipping around in these. – Nicholas Triolo, senior editor, șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Run and Trail Runner

($128)

I am usually not a fan of leggings, but as temps drop, these tights have been a go-to. The high-rise fit and multiple pockets make them comfy, even for longer runs when I need to pack fuel. Plus, the reflective detailing helps me feel safe in the dark. They’re a perfect marriage of form and function that might just convert any legging skeptic. – ZoĂ« Rom, editor-in-chief, Trail Runner, managing editor, Women’s Running

($180)

‘Tis the season for dark, cold mornings that give way to sunny, surprisingly hot afternoons, bluebird days ravaged by bone-chilling wind, and foggy trailheads leading to who-knows-what at the summit here in Boulder, Colorado. In these transitional seasons, I prefer to be overprepared, and the Black Diamond Deploy Wind Shell—which compacts to the size of a lime and weighs practically nothing (48 grams, or the weight of a Snickers bar)—makes that decision a no-brainer. The convenient half-zip makes pulling this jacket on and off over a running vest a snap, and it’s allegedly the lightest windbreaker on the market. The soft Japanese fabric is paper-thin, too, but also mighty. I’ve worn this jacket on long mountain days for a year and it’s still in prime condition. – Abby Levene, Run Brand creative

($180)

These are the perfect joggers for higher-intensity winter activity. With the perfect balance of insulation and ventilation, these pants can keep you warm and dry even on the snowiest runs (shoutout to the DWR finish). I am not a huge fan of tights, and I love the more accommodating yet functional fit of these joggers. They’re also perfect for all things apres-ski. – Z.R.

($90)

I packed this for a week-long stay in a cabin next to Rocky Mountain National Park in mid-October thinking I might wear it on a cool-but-not-cold day run. I ended up wearing it nearly the whole time. I wore it, as expected, by itself on a run in the low 40s with snow on the ground. It kept me cool and dry as I ran uphill in the bright sun, while not leaving me shivering when gusts of wind howled down from the mountains or during long, easy descents. The fabric (45 percent Merino Wool, 45 percent Tencel, 10 percent Nylon blend) was so soft against my skin, I also wore the top in the chilly evenings, and under a flannel shirt to go out to dinner, and as a base layer under a puffy jacket when venturing into the park during a heavy snowstorm. Never did I regret the choice. Besides its superb temperature regulation and soft hand against my skin, the top never got smelly, and it didn’t show any wear even after carrying armloads of firewood. I also took it on a three-day backpacking trip in September where I wore it every evening, setting up camp, cooking, and sleeping, and it still looks new and sharp. – Jonathan Beverly, senior running editor, gear

($35)

As the weather turns here in Missoula, Montana, I’ve had to dig back into my pile of winter hats and gloves, and I keep finding myself turning to these comfy gloves for just about everything. Slow road loops in town, two- to three-hour trail adventures. They’re pretty unassuming, but the grid fleece always makes me feel cozy, but not swampy, with its thermo-regulating ActiveTemp. Super versatile. Big fan. – N.T.

s ($160)

These shoes have quickly become my default for easy cruises around town. They’re responsive enough not to feel heavy and draggy, but plush enough to offer a great recovery ride. When I’m putting more miles on the road in winter, I love having a super cushy shoe that I can reach for to keep the easy days easy. – Z.R.

RELATED: The Best Road Running Shoes of Winter 2024

I’m throwing these socks in here because they seem to always be on my feet before I can even have a conscious thought. These socks just hit select retail stores in September, so consider this a hot tip, but they’re wonderfully second-skin smooth, and I just get excited by the prospect of wearing them. Sustainability-forward, with a nerdy attention to detail—watch out for this company. – N.T.

($150)

I am obsessed with this jacket. I love the colorful print and functional fit that’s perfect for throwing on post-run, a gym sesh, work meeting, or the brewery. This jacket is a wonderful transitional piece with athletic styling and details that can spruce up any fall outfit. – Z.R.

($85)

This hearty long sleeve is perfect as a base layer or worn on its own. It packs a toasty punch and longer sleeves, and thumbholes extend the protection of this functional layer. This is a great layering piece for winter trail runs, with a midweight wool knit that wicks sweat and won’t trap odors. – Z.R.

Nutrition

($39 for 16 servings)

I’ll never say no to a sweet treat—especially if it has protein in it. These Magic Spoon Treats are so good in flavors of marshmallow and chocolatey peanut butter. They have 11 grams of protein and 1 gram of sugar, but no sugar alcohols, which tend to hurt my stomach. – Mallory Arnold, associate editor

($35)

After singing the praises of Ora’s Golden Milk powder (literally sipping on some as I write this), my other new favorite of Ora’s offering is their supergreen powder. I know, these seem to be popping up every other week, but I’ve grown to really enjoy this one, adding a scoop to my post-run recovery shake to get a clean hit of vitamins and antioxidants, the equivalent of three servings of greens per scoop. I eat fairly balanced throughout the week, but certainly miss my veggies from time to time. This stuff tops up my levels. – N.T.

($18 for a 40-piece bag)

If you know me, you know that caffeine is my drug of choice. But because I really don’t like coffee, I’m always in search of new ways to get my buzz. Lately, I’ve been grooving on Caffeine Bullet energy chews (Chocolit Orange and Mintense flavors) developed by British ultrarunner David Hellard. Each individually-wrapped 7-gram morsel of buzz-inducing goodness is packed with 85 mg of caffeine (slightly less than a large cup of coffee) and 27 calories, making them an easy-to-transport energy supplement for long trail runs and ultra-distance races. – Brian Metzler, contributing editor

RELATED: Caffeine Boosts Performance. But What About Coffee?

Audio/Video

by Rick Rubin

I recommend listening to this one, if you have the option. Rubin, the legendary music producer, riffs on the power of creativity, on trusting your instinct, and on committing to art, in every facet of life. I actually thought a lot about my running life while listening to this book. At first, I thought this might be one long book of platitudes, but something shifted a third of the way through and, by the end, I didn’t want it to end. Such a gift. – N.T.

Having just watched Christine Yoo’s award-winning documentary , portraying a marathon run by inmates of the maximum-security facility San Quentin Prison, it inspired me to revisit a 1979 film about a prison-yard runner directed by Michael Mann at the zenith of the original American running boom. The main character is Larry “Rain” Murphy (played by Peter Strauss), who is serving a life sentence in Folsom Prison on a first-degree murder charge for killing his abusive stepfather. He starts running inside the prison yard for fitness and his sanity and gets really fit and really fast. It’s a consummate 1970s prison flick, but it’s a compelling, well-told story, even if done with decidedly low-tech production value. – B.M.

I’ve plugged this podcast before here, mainly because I think Dan Harris is an absolute gem of a host, but this one re-invites TED talk superhero Adam Grant on the show to talk about his new book, Hidden Potential. Though a touch skeptical of the initial self-help vibe, Grant and Harris have a really engaging conversation that can be applied to every component of life. – N.T.

I aspire to be the kind of person who is done with holiday gift shopping by the end of November. I fall short of this goal every year, but at least I’ve discovered Evernote, so I collect links throughout the year. This year, my top choice for elementary school-aged girls is a series of books from Strong Girls Publishing. Founder and athlete Molly Hurford was keen to find books to celebrate girls who enjoy sports. With none to be found, she founded her own publishing company in true Shark Tank style. They are engaging, fun chapter books about sassy cycling characters called Shred Girls. Not only are these books fun tales of sporty girls, they are written by real-life athletes, too. This is a win-win for a gift that keeps on giving.Ìę – M.M.

Misc.

($110)

Why do you need portable, walkie-talkie style radios as a runner? I’ve taken these out a few times on early fall 14er adventures on trails with friends, and have also used them for crew communications at a 100-miler that had remote (out-of-cell-range) aid stations. These radios transmit the maximum power legally allowed for use without a license (two watts) and have a range of up to 25 miles, but I’ll likely only use them a few miles apart. They’re durable, easy to use, and highly weather-resistant. Given that winter is upon us, I’ll take them backcountry skiing, too. – B.M.

($198)

I’ve made a commitment to myself in the coming year to keep falling deeper in love with trail and mountain running, while also spending more nights sleeping in the backcountry. Naturally, fastpacking has come to mind, an ultralight approach to multi-day run-hiking. Everything Outdoor Vitals touches turns to gold, and this Skyline 30 fastpack is a homerun. I recently took it for a 14-mile overnight solo into Montana’s Mission Mountains and it hit every mark I could imagine. The bag is super durable, using 100D Robic ripstop and a Challenge Ultrastretch, a mesh touted as the most tear/rip-proof on the market. This will be my fastpacking rig as I venture deeper into this discipline in 2024. – N.T.

($120)

If 2017 was the year I went Croc, 2023 was the year I went Clog. Specifically, I’m talking about Chaco’s new Paonia Clog, a counterpoint to Birkenstock, which I’ve never had the courage to commit to. But Chaco—which, to be radically transparent, I’m not actually a huge fan of, preferring Tevas or Bedrocks instead—really nailed it with these. They are so easy to slip on, plus they are nice-looking enough for date night or movie night. I work in them all day and also slip them on first-thing as a recovery shoe after my weekend long run. LUVSEAT footbed. Waterproof jacquard suede upper. A+ addition to my leisure wear. – N.T.

The post What Our Run Editors Loved in October appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

My favorite neighborhood running loop in my hometown of Boulder, Colorado makes choosing a pair of shoes a challenge. The route starts with a walk down a sidewalk past a few houses to a path that cuts through the middle of a community garden. There, I run across wood chips, weeds, and hard dirt, hit another sidewalk, and run concrete for about a mile, crossing two busy streets. At mile 1.3, I turn onto a rocky singletrack through tall grasses up, and then down, a very steep, loose, rocky hill with a killer view of the Flatirons. After negotiating a very narrow, windy strip of dirt next to a sidewalk, I cross a paved street, then run a tight singletrack through grassland over uneven ground that climbs gradually, then steeply to the high point of my run. I descend on a dirt fire road riddled with rocks and ruts that ends with steep wooden steps at the bottom, then make my way home on pavement and concrete sidewalks.

For this kind of run, I need a shoe that can handle every kind of terrain. A straight-up road running shoe with its cushioning and flexibility would help me maintain a smooth stride on the paved sections, but it would lack traction, protection, and security on the trail segments. A trail-specific shoe, on the other hand, would keep me feeling sure-footed and secure on the rugged dirt sections but would feel clunky on the road.

And the kind of dirt I run on this loop (and many other road-to-trail routes) is not smooth, mild, crushed gravel; it’s more rugged than that, with rocks and ruts I can trip over, uneven landings, and loose dirt underfoot. I need a shoe that has lugs that grip and an upper that secures my foot in place. I don’t want my foot sloshing around on a technical trail, especially up- or downhill.

I want it all: a well-cushioned shoe, with traction that doesn’t clunk on roads but that makes me surefooted on dirt, and that keeps my foot secure and comfortable. And I want that shoe to be “runnable”—flexible like a road shoe, not stiff like a hiking shoe. It’s a Goldilocks conundrum that has recently been solved by a somewhat burgeoning category of running shoes: the road-to-trail shoe.

I’ve researched, tested, and written about running shoes for numerous publications over the past decade and a half. After running in the majority of new running shoe releases this year, and testing all candidates for road-to-trail honors on my neighborhood loop and other mixed-terrain routes, here are my two favorite road-to-trail shoes currently on the market, plus two honorable mentions.

Craft Nordlite Ultra ($160)

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An ample amount of responsive cushioning (40mm under the heel and 34mm under the forefoot) helps this shoe feel great on hard surfaces, both roads and super-firm Colorado dirt. The mid- and outsole are decoupled between the heel and forefoot, allowing each segment to move slightly independently, which I find works great on rocky terrain and pavement alike. It’s flexible for smooth running on roads and gives me agility on the trails as it morphs around rocks, delivering a unique ride that I really enjoy. The outsole’s 3.5mm lugs—some smaller, some larger—do a great job of grabbing loose surfaces and rock while not being so deep that they feel cumbersome on roads. The one-piece mesh upper is comfortable, but I sometimes crave a bit more support/foothold on technical trail sections. Overall, this is currently my favorite shoe for runs on varied terrain. 9.3 ounces (men’s), 8.1 ounces (women’s); 6mm offset

Best for: Those who like a flexible sole with substantial cushioning; those interested in trying a slightly decoupled midsole.

Hoka Challenger ATR 7 ($145)

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This seventh iteration of the Challenger ATR looks more like the brand’s rugged trail models than the mild-mannered Challengers of the past. The four-millimeter lugs are smaller in the center of the outsole and larger around the perimeter (a strategy inspired by gravel bike tires that lets the shoe both roll over roads and dig into dirt), and the new outsole rubber does a better job on technical terrain than previous versions of this shoe. There’s more cushioning than in earlier versions, too (31mm/26mm of midsole foam for men, 29mm/24mm for women). The signature Hoka cush runs more like a monster truck than a ninja: it lets me just roll over rocks instead of picking my way around them. IÌę like floating over roads and trails rather than pounding, so I reach for these when I want to zone out and not think about every foot placement on the trail sections, but I don’t always feel like my weight is engaging the massive amounts of cushioning as much as I’d like. The shoe seems well-suited to heavier runners who can really make the most of all that midsole. It’s not the most flexible shoe, but it is inherently stable, comfortable, and capable. 8.9 ounces (men’s), 7.3 ounces (women’s); 5mm offset

Best for: Hoka devotees, those seeking max cush, heavier runners.

Honorable Mention

Reebok Floatride Energy 5 șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű ($120)

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The Floatride Energy 5 șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű runs smoothly on roads, likely encouraged by the significantly beveled heel shape, and feels decently cushioned (though, at 29mm/19mm stack height, not as cushy as the two favorites in this roundup). The lower-than-some midsole height, however, helps this shoe provide a solid, tactile, agile experience on the trail sections of my loop, and they feel relatively lightweight on all surfaces, which I particularly appreciate on the climbs. The traction—that extends almost along the entire bottom of the shoe, minus a small, diamond-shaped cutout in the EVA—did well on trails, both uphill and down. I appreciated the secure foothold of the upper (a durable Cordura) which adds to the agile ride. Because of its secure foothold and somewhat firm feel underfoot, this shoe also works well for me in the gym for lifting weights and doing body weight exercises. A downside: I experienced a strange and somewhat uncomfortable buckling across the top of my forefoot when the shoe flexed, which I think will soften up and dissipate over time, but which relegated this shoe to honorable mention. 10.4 ounces (men’s), 8.5 ounces (women’s); 8mm offset

Best for: Lighter runners, those looking for a reasonably priced, one-quiver shoe.

Altra Outroad 2 ($120)

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Since I mostly run in shoes with at least a four-millimeter drop, I get a little nervous when I wear zero-drop shoes. I always tell people to ease into zero-drop shoes by walking in them first, then running short distances before hitting their regular stride and running their regular loops. When I run my loop in this shoe, I focus on landing midfoot instead of my usual heel strike—which feels prancy but efficient. Despite the concern, I was comfortable running in these shoes, and only felt a little niggle in my calf and heel on one foot after one run (which I’m not certain is from the zero-drop geometry). The Outroad 2 has the most aggressive traction of the four shoes in this roundup, spanning the full length of the outsole and providing great grip on all natural surfaces while not clunking too heavily on road sections The “Slim FootShape Fit” is classic Altra with its wide toe box, but with a narrower feel than others in the line, which works for my slim foot. And because of the balanced stance of the zero-drop sole and moderate height (27mm), this shoe worked for lifting weights, too. I tested the “Bravey” edition, designed in conjunction with pro runner Alexi Pappas, and got two compliments (on one run) on the blingy gold laces. 10.7 ounces (men’s), 8.7 ounces (women’s); 0mm offset

Best for: Zero-drop devotees or the curious looking for a nimble, balanced ride, runners looking to work on form.

The post 4 Favorite Road-to-Trail Running Shoes appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Hellen Obiri and Tamirat Tola earned impressive victories in the 2023 New York City Marathon, but they also did it wearing two of the hottest newly released super shoes.

Obiri, a 32-year-old Kenyan runner who trains in Boulder, Colorado, with the On Athletics Club, wore a similar pair of yet-to-be-released On CloudTri 1 shoes that she also used for her win at the Boston Marathon back in April. She narrowly edged out Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey, who wore a pair of Nike Alphafly 3s—the same shoe that Kelvin Kiptum wore to set a new men’s world record (2:00:35) at the Chicago Marathon in October.

Meanwhile, Tola, 32, of Ethiopia, wore a pair of white and pink Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1s, the $500 shoe that Tigst Assefa wore to set a new women’s world record (2:11:53) at the Berlin Marathon in September.

RELATED: The Best Road Running Shoes of Winter 2024

Here’s a look at the footwear worn by frontrunners at this year’s 2023 New York City Marathon. In terms of sheer numbers in the top 15, Nike led the charge (10), with Adidas in second (4), followed by Asics and Puma (3).

Women

1. Hellen Obiri, 33, Kenya, 2:27:23, On CloudTri 1 (white/black)
2. Letesenbet Gidey, 25, Ethiopia, 2:27:29, Nike Alphafly 3 (white/orange)
3. Sharon Lokedi, 29, Kenya, 2:27:33, Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite 2 (red/white/black)
4. Brigid Kosgei, 29, Kenya, 2:27:45, Nike Vaporfly 3 (orange/red)
5. Mary Ngugi, 34, Kenya, 2:27:53, Nike Vaporfly 3 (orange/red)
6. Viola Cheptoo, 34, Kenya, 2:28:11, Adidas’ Adizero Adios Pro 3 (aqua blue/white)
7. Edna Kiplagat, 43, Kenya, 2:29:40, Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2 (yellow)
8. Kellyn Taylor, 37, USA, 2:29:48 – Hoka Rocket X 2 (black/pink/green)
9. Molly Huddle, 39, USA, 2:32:02 – Saucony Endorphin Elite (green)
10. Fantu Zewude Jifar, 27, Ethiopia, 2:34:10, Xtep 160X 3.0 Pro (white/yellow)
11. Solange Jesus, 36, Portugal, 2:34:27, Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite (yellow)
12. Sydney Devore, 32, USA, 2:36:01, Saucony Endorphin Elite (yellow/green)
13. Marie-Ange Brumelot, 30, USA, 2:40:22, Nike Vaporfly 3 (white/orange/yellow)
14. Ivana Iozzia, 50, Italy, 2:41:16, Hoka Rocket X 2Ìę (green/yellow)
15. Meriah Earle, 45, USA, 2:44:11, Nike Alpha Fly 2 (yellow/orange)

Men

1. Tamirat Tola, 32, Ethiopia, 2:04:58 – Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 (white/pink)
2. Albert Korir, 29, Kenya, 2:06:57, Adidas’ Adizero Adios Pro 3 (green/white)
3. Shura Kitata, 27, Ethiopia, 2:07:11, Nike Vaporfly 2 (blue/orange/white)
4. Abdi Nageeye, 34, Netherlands, 2:10:21, Nike Vaporfly 3 (orange/red)
5. Koen Naert, 34, Belgium, 2:10:25, Asics Metaspeed Sky+ (red/white)
6. Maru Teferi, 31, Israel, 2:10:28, Nike AlphaFly 3 (white/orange)
7. Iliass Aouani, 28, Italy, 2:10:54, Adidas’ Adizero Adios Pro 3 (black)
8. Edward Cheserek, 29, Kenya, 2:11:07, Skechers GOrun Speed Elite (blue/white/purple/orange)
9. Jemal Yimer, 27, Ethiopia, 2:11:31, Asics Metaspeed Sky+ (red)
10. Futsum Zienasellassie, 30, USA, 2:12:09, Hoka Rocket X 2 (green/yellow)
11. Elkanah Kibet, 40, USA, 2:12:23, Nike Vaporfly 2 (fluorescent yellow/orange)
12. Hendrik Pfeiffer, 30, Germany, 2:12:54, Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite (yellow)
13. Sydney Gidabuday, 27, USA, 2:14:34, Asics Metaspeed Sky (red/black)
14. Nathan Martin, 33, USA, 2:16:16, Nike Vaporfly 3 (black)
15. Erenjia Jia, China, 30, 2:16:50, New Balance, FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3 (white/yellow)

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